A SCHEME to provide free cups of tea to bobbies on the beat in North Yorkshire has been launched.

Officers pounding the streets of North Yorkshire. can stop for a brew and a chat at one of more than 50 "tea-stops" across North Yorkshire.

The county's police force has teamed up with the Co-operative Group for the initiative, which was launched on Monday at the Co-op store, in Queens Road, Richmond.

Police chiefs hope the scheme will make North Yorkshire's officers more accessible to members of the community.

Chief constable Grahame Maxwell said: "I hope local shoppers and residents will use the opportunity to come and discuss any issues of interest or concern.

"Businesses can develop positive initiatives which assist in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and which will reassure the public that their officers are highly visible and accessible."

A Co-op spokesman said: "This partnership is designed to strengthen relationships between local businesses, the community and the police.

"We hope it will be a deterrent to criminals."