A NEW organisation to help victims of crime has been launched by Blackburn MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw.

Lancashire police authority chairman Dr Ruth Henig, Lord Shuttleworth, the county's Lord Lieutenant, the county's chief probation officer John Crawforth and deputy chief constable Paul Stephenson were among the guests at the launch of Victim Support Lancashire, at the County Hotel in Blackburn.

The new group is made up of eight different organisations, including the Blackburn, Burnley and Hyndburn branches of victim support.

The aim is to upgrade the services offered by the organisation by pooling resources across the county.

Victims of crime are offered help and support to overcome the trauma that usually comes in the wake of a serious assault or burglary.

The support service offered to witnesses at Preston, Burnley and Lancaster Crown Courts is also being extended to magistrates courts across the county. Brian Turner, the new chairman of Victim Support Lancashire, said: "The new organisation will help provide a unified service across the county with our central administration ensuring we achieve our charitable commitments and responsibilities while local services retain all their community based activities.

"Victims of crime, their families and friends can rely on our trained volunteers being there offering emotional support and practical help.

"We have a strong body of dedicated local folk committed to helping victims through distressing situations."

Deputy chief constable Paul Stephenson said: "The force has watched with interest as victim support has developed since its inception.

"We enjoy excellent relationships with local co-ordinators and volunteers who provide the missing link at a time when people often don't know where to turn.

"One of the aims of the force is to make the people of Lancashire feel safe, involved and reassured. Victim Support has helped to do that."

Dr Henig is pictured, front centre, welcoming Jack Straw and other guests to the launch.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.