A GROUP that looks after the needs of victims and witnesses in North Yorkshire has been named as a finalist in the national Justice Awards.

The Victim and Witness Information Partnership, based in York, has been shortlisted for an award recognising its achievements since its launch only seven months ago.

The news comes at the start of North Yorkshire's Inside Justice Week, with events being held across the county to open up the justice system to the public.

The Justice Awards are a national scheme to recognise the diverse work done by those working within the criminal justice system.

For the past three months, people across the country have been nominating teams and individuals who make outstanding contributions to delivering justice across England and Wales.

The information partnership, which includes staff from the Crown Prosecution Service, North Yorkshire Police and Victim Support, acts as a one-stop shop from the moment a crime is reported to a verdict being delivered, supporting victims and witnesses along the way.

Staff at the unit discuss any issues with victims and witnesses, including how to get to court, what will be expected of them, and issues including providing information on childcare, if that is a problem.

People can even choose how witness care officers contact them, by e-mail, phone or post.

The unit has already received high praise.

An inspectorate report said that after only three months it was performing to "extraordinary levels," was the "best in the country by a margin" and was a "shining star."

Project manager Kate Hughes said: "The fact that we got through to this stage of the awards is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all staff involved in setting up the unit."