A closed-circuit television (CCTV) centre was opened in Middlesbrough yesterday.

Alan Brown, communities group director from Government North-East was joined by the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, and Chief Constable Sean Price, when he opened the centre in Middlesbrough bus station, where pictures from 100 cameras are monitored 24 hours a day.

Real-time images from incidents can be flashed as they happen to the police control room in Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough.

They are of good enough quality to be used for investigation and evidence in criminal or civil cases.

More than £1m has been invested in the security cameras network and the control room has been relocated to offices above the bus station.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for public protection, said: "CCTV is now an integral part of crime prevention and detection and is undoubtedly helping make Middlesbrough a safer place."

The council secured Home Office funding for many of the improvements to the CCTV network.