LANCASHIRE police have been rated excellent at recording crime three years after being told to buck up.

In 2003 the Audit Commission found that officers in the county had failed to record a fifth of crime correctly.

But since then the force has worked hard to ensure that it conformed to the National Crime Recording Standard.

And it has now been revealed that Lancashire Constabulary is among the best performing in the country at recording crime, with an excellent rating following another Audit Commission inspection.

Superintendent Bill McMahon said: "We are very pleased with the results highlighted in the report.

"This reflects the hard work that has been undertaken in the constabulary, in conjunction with the police authority, to ensure that crime is recorded both ethically and accurately. The report also recognises the improved management arrangements the police service has put in place nationally in terms of quality of crime data.

"This shapes our response to crimes, particularly those that affect individuals, neighbourhoods, and communities.

"It also ensures we remain focused on dealing positively with crime and bringing offenders to justice.

"We are committed to improving our quality of service to victims of crime and the Audit Commission report demonstrates the positive steps that we have taken in the last year.

"We will continue to do our utmost to ensure resources are targeted effectively to deliver victim-focused policing."