SUPPORT units for victims and witnesses who have to give evidence against criminals in court has been launched in the region.

Two new witness care facilities, which will support people through the legal process, were officially opened today by Redcar MP and barrister Vera Baird and Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Ron Hogg .

It is hoped the increased support for victims of crime and witnesses will lead to more trials going ahead and more offenders being brought to justice.

The units in Middlesbrough are part of the Government's £36 million No Witness No Justice project championed by Tony Blair and Attorney General Lord Goldsmith.

They are being launched nationally following the results of a successful pilot programme which resulted in a 20 per cent increase in witness attendance at court and a reduction of 27 per cent of trials which had to be adjourned because of witness problems.

The units, based at Crown House and Teesside Crown Court in Middlesbrough, are run by specially trained witness care officers from the police and Crown Prosecution Service who assess the individuals needs of witnesses.

Chief Crown Prosecutor for Cleveland, Martin Goldman said: "Giving evidence in court can be a daunting experience for anyone and we are certain that through the CPS and Cleveland Police working together we can transform the experiences of victims and witnesses.

"The criminal justice system has a responsibility to ensure that those personally affected by crime feel secure and that we dispel fear and uncertainty."

The first witness care unit in Cleveland opened in Hartlepool last year. In the first six months it handled over 500 cases and ensured that over 900 witnesses were contacted within 24 hours of a court result.

The area now had 15 witness care officer s working to encourage victims and witnesses to attend court to give evidence.

Ms Baird, who served on the Criminal Justice Bill and the Sexual Offences Bill 2003 standing committees, said: "Listening to people's needs and concerns will allow the criminal justice system to respond in a far more appropriate way, on an individual basis, than ever before."