ONLY one in every ten rapes reported in North Yorkshire results in conviction, according to figures released by the Home Office.

The figures show that 154 rapes were reported in the county in 2005 - but there were only 15 convictions.

The county's conviction rate is still double the national average - which is 5.29 per cent, or one in 20.

Robert Turnbull, Chief Crown Prosecutor for North Yorkshire, said that securing a conviction for rape could be problematic.

He said: "Offences are usually committed out of the sight of witnesses and a successful prosecution often depends on the victim being willing to give evidence despite their traumatic experience.

"North Yorkshire CPS continues to develop procedures and working partnerships to support rape victims and increase the number of cases brought to court.

"We have had specialist rape prosecutors for several years in each of our area offices who handle each case throughout.

"Their role includes offering early advice to the police to secure the best evidence; ensuring the availability of special measures to allow victims to give evidence without facing their attacker such as TV links and screens and making sure the proper support is available for victims while waiting for their case to come to trial.

"Rape victims are further supported by a protocol which exists between North Yorkshire CPS, Police and the forensic science department at Wetherby. This aims to prevent delays in the gathering of vital evidence and maximise the work of a dedicated sexual offences team.

"This means less delays for the victim both with letting them know if the case can go ahead and speeding up the court process. This work was praised by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald QC, on his recent visit to the county and the protocol is due to be adopted by the national network of rape co-ordinators.

"We are pleased that the conviction rates for North Yorkshire remain above the national average and reflect the hard work being done in the area to secure convictions.

"However there is still more to do and I would urge victims not to be put off from reporting offences by the figures published today. They can be assured that their cases will be properly dealt with and that they will be supported throughout and kept fully informed of any decisions taken and the reasons for them."

Nationally, the figures show that Northamptonshire had the best conviction in England and Wales - at 14 per cent - and Gloucestershire had the worst at less than one per cent.