AN armed counter-terrorism unit is to be set up by North Yorkshire Police after the force was given £1.7 million to provide heightened security measures within the county.

The Government money will be used to recruit 20 additional officers for anti-terrorist protection duties.

Since the September 11 atrocities this role has been carried out by selected operational officers.

Those officers will now return to normal duties and the new unit will provide a permanent replacement.

The number of superintendents within the force will also increase to provide senior round-the-clock cover to meet the increased security needs of the county.

North Yorkshire could be at risk because of the US missile defence stations at Menwith Hill, near Harrogate and RAF Fylingdales, near Whitby.

Deputy Chief Constable Peter Walker said: "All over the country there is a recognition of the increased potential threat from terrorism. Here in North Yorkshire we have been obliged to provide a policing response to the security issues in the county over recent months.

"Whilst the funding has been allocated for a specific purpose, this additional £1.7 million means that we can not only fulfil our commitments towards counter-terrorism, we can also improve the delivery of our everyday policing service without increasing the financial pressure on the Police Authority or council tax payers.

"Given the funding challenges faced by the force, this additional money is to be warmly welcomed."

Updated: 10:28 Saturday, December 21, 2002