CONFIDENCE is growing in the region's criminal justice system, according to new figures.

A report by the National Criminal Justice Board also reveals that the number of ineffective trials - hearings that are aborted or put back - continues to fall.

Figures released for the year ending September 2005, show that 40 per cent of North-East and North Yorkshire residents believe the criminal justice agencies are effective in bringing criminals to justice.

Baseline figures for the year ending March 2003 - the first time they were released - showed that 37 per cent of the public had confidence in the system.

On the subject of trials, initial figures in 2002 showed about 25 per cent of crown court trials failed to take place on the day planned.

This figure dropped to 17 per cent from July to September last year, the latest figures available.

In the region's magistrates' courts, 18 per cent failed between July and September last year, compared to 28 per cent during the same period in 2002.

Chief Constable Sean Price, chairman of the Cleveland Criminal Justice Board, said: "These figures really are good news and show that the public is recognising the tremendous effort which so many people are making to improve the way in which the system works at every stage."

Cleveland, County Durham and Darlington, and North Yorkshire criminal justice boards have all met the Government's target designed to limit the number of days it takes for an arrested persistent young offender to be sentenced.

Robert Turnbull, North Yorkshire chief prosecutor and deputy chairman of the North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board, said: "This progress is thanks to the police, prosecutors, courts and other criminal justice partners working together to improve the quality of service for people."