Police chief's cash warning

Della Cannings has admitted a lack of money will force her to consider ways of saving the force's stretched resources.

Ms Cannings delivered her assessment just a month after taking up her new role.

The top policewoman insists a cut in her budget means some existing services may need to be reduced.

Ms Cannings would not comment on the services which could be affected - but promised any changes would be introduced gradually.

She said: "The force is operating in a climate of standstill budgets which in real terms means a reduced budget.

"There may be certain roles which we are currently fulfilling that we can no longer support.

"However we will not walk away from these roles - instead we will look to partnerships working to bridge the gap."

The authority's budget has come under increased pressure due to the number of officers retiring on pensions and the cost of dealing with major incidents.

Former acting deputy chief constable of Cleveland Ms Cannings, 49, took up her post on 14 October this year.