RURAL policing in North Yorkshire was today given a welcome boost by a £1 million injection of Government cash.

The money, part of a nationwide allocation of £15 million, will be used in the county to increase patrols in and around farming communities which have been hit by high crime levels in recent years.

It has been made available for use during this financial year.

Welcoming the announcement by Home Office Minister Charles Clarke, Assistant Chief Constable Peter Walker said: "This announcement recognises the complexities of policing the rural communities.

"Our chief priority will be to increase the patrolling presence of operational officers throughout North Yorkshire."

North Yorkshire police have struggled in recent years from having to police the largest county in the country with one of the lowest ratios of officers per head of population.

The £1,005,224 for the county is among the highest allocations in the country.

The funds have been given to forces on the basis of the "rurality", of their areas - that is those with the lowest population densities.

Baroness Harris of Richmond, North Yorkshire Police Authority's chairwoman, said she was delighted by the news.

She said: "Any extra funding for police authorities is welcome, especially that which recognises the special circumstances of North Yorkshire police.

"Investing in more personnel is a long-term commitment, so we are very pleased to note that there will be extra provision in future years."

Baroness Harris said she looked forward to hearing exactly how the Chief Constable intended to spend the cash.