The level of crime reported in North Yorkshire last year fell by nearly four per cent compared to the previous year.

But the force could be facing a major financial headache in trying to recover the costs of dealing with the Selby train crash - a bill which could hit £1 million.

A meeting of North Yorkshire Police Authority was told that the figures for 2000/2001 showed a significant drop in the number of house burglaries, vehicle crime, robberies and violence.

Chief Constable David Kenworthy said: "Overall I'm very pleased with our performance, particularly in relation to house burglaries and vehicle crime.

We set ourselves some challenging five-year targets in these areas and have almost achieved them within two years.

This should not be underestimated. Crimes of violence are very high on our agenda and seeing the numbers fall whilst maintaining a very high detection rate again is very satisfying."

The force is also facing a major blow to its budget from the cost of handling February's rail crash at Great Heck, near Selby.

The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions is currently considering an application by the authority to recover the costs, which could reach £1 million.

The Department may decide that the authority will have to recover the costs from the insurance firm of any party found to be responsible for the accident. Mr Kenworthy said that this could take years.

There were 2,003 less reported crimes in North Yorkshire last year a fall of 3.7 per cent when compared with the previous year. House burglary was cut by 10.4 per cent and violent crime fell by 4.1 per cent.

The meeting saw vice chairman county councillor Jane Kenyon appointed chairman to take over from Baroness Harris of Richmond. Graeme Robertson was appointed vice-chairman.

Miss Kenyon said: "I am acutely aware of the enormous task you have put in my hands and I shall endeavour to rise to that challenge."

She paid tribute to the work of Baroness Harris and asked that the authority's gratitude be formally noted.

Updated: 14:18 Monday, June 25, 2001