POLICE in North Yorkshire have opened their first sexual assault referral centre, designed to significantly improve services for victims of rape and sex attacks.

Bridge House is situated in York but is designed to cover the entire county and provides access to services and support for victims.

Crucially, victims do not have to report the crime to the police to receive help and they can contact the centre by telephone to make an appointment.

Any forensic evidence which is available can then be gathered and kept until the victim decides whether or not they want to involve the police.

It can be contacted on 01904 669339 or visit the website at turntobridgehouse.org