VIDEO interviewing of adult rape victims is to be pioneered in the North-East in a bid to halt the decline in conviction rates, it has been revealed.

Rape Examination Advice and Counselling Help (Reach) has won £21,000 in Government funding to become the first facility of its kind in the country to develop video interviewing.

It is hoped the method will be an important addition to existing medical and counselling services offered at Reach's two centres in Newcastle and Sunderland.

Reach spokesman Laura Lawrence said last night there was concern about the fall in conviction rates for rape.

Reported rape has increased by 165 per cent over the past ten years, while convictions have dropped from 24 per cent to nine per cent.

She said: "Replacing long, drawn out, written statements with video interviews can only help victims.

"The process will be much quicker and the video can also be used in court as evidence.

"We are also keen to see what impact this type of evidence will have in court."

If successful, the method could be introduced throughout the country.

Part of the money given to Reach will also be used to develop a website, which will be particularly helpful for male victims of rape or sexual assault, who are more anxious about keeping their anonymity.