WILTSHIRE'S Crown Prosecution Service has published its annual report, celebrating a continuing improvement of service for the victims of crime and a more effective relationship with the police.

"We are most proud of the quality of our casework," said chief crown prosecutor Nick Hawkins. "This is the fact that we are getting the right cases to court, with the right people, at the right time and with the right evidence getting the right results."

The CPS, based at Bellinger Close, off Malmesbury Road, in Chippenham, is responsible for prosecuting those charged by the police with a criminal offence.

Mr Hawkins also said the CPS was pleased with its continued good relationships with other agencies and with improvement to services for victims.

"We are looking to maintain high standards, and to improve links with community groups," he said.

"We are also looking to put in more lawyers in police stations to improve the advice to the police before defendants are charged."

In the last year the Wiltshire CPS has introduced Speaking Up For Justice, which provides special measures to make it easier for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses to give evidence in court for example, using a CCTV link to the courtroom.

After a positive report from the CPS Inspectorate last year, CPS Wiltshire was placed first in a table of 42 CPS areas for casework performance.

In September last year, Wiltshire CPS opened a new room providing comfort and privacy for meetings with victims of crime. The CPS has also worked closely with Victim Support and the Racial Equality Council to make sure its service meets the needs of the community.

Over the last year, the CPS in Wiltshire has seen its caseload increase, in the magistrates court from 13,286 received to 13,857. Finalised cases increased from 13,591 to 13,720.

In Wiltshire's Crown courts the caseload increased from 707 to 764, and completed cases increased from 618 to 772. Trials rose in number from 316 to 389.

The report says Wiltshire CPS has met guidelines for sending committal papers to the defence, exceeding national targets of 80 per cent, and the area target of 88 per cent, which speeds up the process of transferring more serious cases to the Crown court.

The CPS also exceeded targets for replying to complaints, and met guidelines for replying to MPs' correspondence in all cases.

The report also notes success in drugs cases, including two operations in Devizes and Calne which alone resulted in more than 25 convictions and 17 custodial sentences.

The report has been sent to stakeholders and libraries and anyone wishing to see a copy can contact the CPS on (01249) 766100.