A POLICE force has dismissed claims it is the least fit in the country after a national standards body claimed more than 16 per cent of its officers had failed fitness tests.

North Yorkshire Police said the College of Policing figures were taken from the results of only 74 tests.

The force said of the 1,219 of its officers who had taken the the 15-metre bleep shuttle run test ahead of it becoming mandatory on September 1, 1,153 had passed, representing a 94.6 per cent success rate.

The figure still represents one of the highest rates of failure in the country, with only three forces having worse records.

The College of Policing said of the 321 Durham Constabulary officers to have undergone the test, 317 or 98.8 per cent had passed, while 339 of the 344 Cleveland Police officers, or 98.5 per cent, had succeeded in meeting the standard.

If an officer fails the fitness test at the first attempt, it is advised at least two retakes are permitted before forces use "unsatisfactory performance" against the participating officer.

North Yorkshire assistant chief constable Paul Kennedy, said: “Support, advice and encouragement will be provided to any officers who are struggling to reach the required fitness level.

“Health and fitness is important for everyone’s wellbeing, regardless of the their role and North Yorkshire Police encourages and supports all officers and staff who wish to improve their fitness.”