A POLICE force which faced problems after the discovery of a multi-million-pound budget shortfall has turned to a neighbouring force for help.

The Northern Echo has learned that Cleveland Police has drafted in a senior accountant from Durham Police on a part-time basis to bolster its finance department.

It is understood the move to bring in John Hewitt for two days a week was at the request of Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price. Last night, both forces said it was normal working practice.

Sources, however, said it was indicative of ongoing turmoil in Cleveland police's finance department.

In February, director of finance Stephen Preval was suspended following the revelation that a £7.3m shortfall had been found in the force budget. Mr Preval had warned of financial problems as long as five years ago.

The force has given no indication whether he will return to his job. A new executive director of finance, Ann Hall, has been appointed by Cleveland Police and tasked with, among other things, co-ordinating a recovery plan.

Last night, Cleveland Police said: "A member of staff from Durham Constabulary has been seconded on a part-time basis until the end of this month to deal with a specific project.

"The appointment was made because a key member of staff is working on a major Private Finance Initiative scheme and another member of staff is suspended."

A spokesman for Durham police said: "North-East forces have contingency plans in place to provide mutual aid at all levels when necessary, and it is common practice."

Cleveland Police Authority said it did not know about the secondment.

Cleveland Police had to drop plans to recruit up to 200 officers when the shortfall was discovered. It was then criticised in a report by the Audit Commission for a "spend, spend, spend" culture, where warnings of future financial difficulties went unheeded.

One source said: "Morale in the finance department has hit rock-bottom and at least one senior officer has gone off sick."