VICTIMS of crime are to receive a better standard of care - with the opening of the first unit of its kind in the country.

A Victim Care Unit has been opened in York to help people across North Yorkshire.

The unit is open from Monday to Friday, between 10am and 8pm, to handle all referrals made to Victim Support North Yorkshire's community-based team from the police.

Experts will be on hand to offer help and practical advice and will also be able to recognise if victims are in need of more specialist help.

Victim Support, which has been running for more than 30 years, offers free and confidential information and advice, whether or not the crime has been reported to the police, and regardless of when it happened.

The chief executive of Victim Support North Yorkshire, Steve Twynham, said: "Becoming a victim of crime can be a distressing experience, but we pride ourselves on the services both victims and witnesses receive in North Yorkshire.

"However, improvements can always be made, and opening the Victim Care Unit is the next step.

"It also follows on from the excellent service being provided by the Witness Care Unit, which gives practical advice and support to witnesses due to appear in court.

To contact the unit, call 0845 0710871.