CLEVELAND Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been given a "good" rating after inspectors praised how quickly it handled its case load.

The Government-appointed inspectors scrutinised documents, processes and procedures relating to the work of the CPS in June.

The Cleveland branch received particular praise for its handling of casework and how it effectively implemented new initiatives.

Chief crown prosecutor Martin Goldman said: "This report recognises the hard work and dedication of staff at CPS Cleveland. We were one of the first CPS area's nationally to implement the statutory charging scheme, and our performance in this area of work in particular was praised by the inspectors.

"We have already begun to put systems in place to address these issues. We will continue to work closely with our partners in the criminal justice system to provide a first-class prosecuting service to the people of Cleveland."

The service has also created a witness care unit to try to ensure they turn up at court to assist in securing convictions.

Chief Inspector Stephen Wooler said: "CPS can rightly to be proud of its performance and results. The staff in the area have worked hard to improve casework outcomes and the management processes that support its delivery.

"The area can now focus its attention on engaging with the community to bring about service improvements from a customer perspective."