PLANS to put new resources into the fight against rural crime could mean an extra £2.5 million for police in North Yorkshire, according to one of the county's MPs.

The revelation that ministers were considering providing extra cash, likely to run into tens of millions of pounds, for policing isolated areas, in the wake of the Tony Martin case was welcomed by Selby MP John Grogan.

Martin, a Norfolk farmer, was convicted of murder for killing a burglar, with a shotgun.

Mr Grogan and Scarborough and Whitby MP Lawrie Quinn tabled a House of Commons motion in February calling for a "sparsity factor" to be included in future calculations of police budgets.

National newspaper reports have said that Home Office Minister Charles Clarke has discussed the formula for funding in sparsely populated areas with a delegation from rural police forces.

They add that he has conceded the argument for further cash for rural forces, saying independent research commissioned by the Home Office was "well made and widely accepted".

"This is very encouraging," said Mr Grogan. "My understanding is that for North Yorkshire it could mean up to £2.5 million extra for the police budget."

He said that was the figure given to him by the county's police chiefs when he and Mr Quinn tabled their motion.

"Clearly it could be a big boost for police spending in North Yorkshire, and it could make a big difference," added Mr Grogan.

He had already spoken with Mr Clarke about the question of "sparsity" funding, which looks at whether it costs more to police large rural areas like North Yorkshire, which have scattered populations.

The research for the Home Office is said to have shown that the number of officers need to respond to some incidents in rural areas was three times more than that needed by urban forces.

The decision on the funding is likely to be made before the comprehensive spending review, setting levels for the next three years, is announced in July.

Mr Grogan said: "I think there is a real chance of success. There is no other single measure that would boost the police in North Yorkshire ore than this.

"I'm very hopeful indeed that this change will be implemented in July, for next year's police budget."