Police launch a talking website

Cleveland Police has become the first among the north-east of England forces to set up a talking website.

The facility, pioneered by government organisations, is set to be widely used by people for whom English is not their first language.

Users can choose whether the words should be read by a man or woman, how fast they want them to be spoken and even the pitch of the voice used.

The facility offers 10 languages and can be downloaded from the website.

Head of ICT for the force, Andy Lombard, said: "There are only around 100 websites in the country which have this facility so we are one of the first. No other police force in the North has it."

Insp Steve Kielty, cohesion officer for the force, said: "It is ideal for people who may have difficult reading or for whom English is not their first language.

"It is innovative but simple - and another facet to our ethos of putting people first."