A flagship retail and leisure centre in Leeds has earned a top police award for its crime-free car park.

Since the car park at The Light opened just over 12 months ago there has been no car theft or criminal damage to any vehicle.

West Yorkshire Police chief constable Colin Cramphorn presented managers with the prize at a ceremony on Wednesday as part of the nationwide secured car parks scheme.

Mr Cramphorn said: "People want to leave their cars and know that they are safe.

"Best designed"

"This car park's location and the commitment by the management to ensure a quality service and customer safety must be applauded."

Peter Woodhouse, the force's architectural liaison officer who inspected the premises said: "The Light's parking facility is the best designed and built underground car park that I have ever seen in the country."

Centre Director Sue Anderson said: "We are obviously thrilled."

"The feedback we get from motorists is excellent and they seem genuinely surprised by the standard of safety and security in the car park."