people are being offered an insight into the life and history of a police force.

A detailed look into how the Cleveland force operates, and its activities over the past year, is provided by the Chief Constable's annual report.

The 28-page document, which has just been released, is presented in a new, easy-to-read format to enable people to better digest the information it contains.

It covers every aspect of the force from crime-fighting initiatives such as the use of parent power to target under-age drinking, to campaigns like Stop the Pushers.

Special features on Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Langbaurgh are included, along with facts on where to find the constabulary's oldest station, and the number of meals served to prisoners at Hartlepool station.

In his introduction, Chief Constable Barry Shaw says that, despite the demands placed on them, staff have continued to work hard to tackle crime and disorder.

He adds that the past year has been a unique but successful one for the force.