Durham Constabulary may be merged with others in the north-east of England to create a larger "strategic" force.

The 1,738-officer force admits the status quo is "not an option" and has launched a wide-ranging consultation.

But Durham Police Authority says it must have guarantees it will still be able to effectively serve communities.

The government has asked police authorities and forces throughout the country to draw-up proposals for possible mergers or other alternative solutions which would enable the creation of larger forces.

'Local concerns'

Durham Police Authority chair Anne Wright said: "We want the public, stakeholders, partners, officers and staff to tell us about their concerns and the things we need to take into account as we develop our proposals.

"Although our current establishment of 1,738 police officers means we have a higher than average ratio of police officers per head of population, we accept that the status quo is not an option.

"Our priority in looking at what is the best way forward must be to make sure that changes to our local police services are the right ones for the people of County Durham and Darlington, and that services continue to be provided that identify, understand and respond to local concerns."