Cleveland Police has 23 officers from ethnic minorities

An extra 120 officers were recruited in the 12 months to the end of March, bringing the total number of officers to 1,592.

Cleveland is one of the top three performing forces in the country in attracting new recruits, along with West Mercia and Derbyshire.

Chief Constable Sean Price said: "This is good news for the force and good news for the people of Cleveland. Our aim is to provide a first class service to our communities.

I would like to see our strength increase further Chief Constable Sean Price

"Community policing is at the heart of our policing plans. More officers on the street working with our partner agencies can only bring benefits and help drive down crime.

"However, although we have increased our numbers it is not enough and I would like to see our strength increase further."

Ms Justine Brooksbank, head of human resources for Cleveland Police said the force would not be actively recruiting again until April next year.

Cleveland has 1,324 male and 268 female officers.

Of that total, 23 come from ethnic minorities. The force is one of the few to meet Home Office targets on ethnic minority recruitment.