COURTS throughout the North-East are being acclaimed for the high levels of service they provide.

Thirteen courts have received an independently assessed charter mark for making improvements such as baby changing facilities, open days and clearer signs.

The courts had to show they had asked the public what they wanted and then worked to provide it.

Yvette Cooper, Minister for the courts, said: "I am delighted that so many courts on the North-Eastern circuit have achieved this public service accolade.

"There has been a very impressive uptake since charter mark awards were first made to courts in 1997.

"This latest batch means that there are now 199 charter mark awards in the court service. This is a fantastic achievement for court service staff but, more importantly, it means a better service for the public.

"This shows that court service staff throughout the region are thoroughly committed to the public.

"Ultimately, if people can see improvements in their local courts then that will boost confidence in the criminal and civil justice system."

The following courts were given the charter mark: York Crown Court, Bishop Auckland County Court, Consett County Court, Darlington County Court, Durham County Court, Durham Crown Court, Gateshead County Court. Hartlepool County Court, Morpeth and Berwick County Court, Newcastle Combined Court, South Shields County Court, Sunderland County Court, Teesside Combined Court Centre.