Thanet has become the first area in Kent to trial new ways of making its police force more accessible and effective.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has confirmed the island as one of only 60 neighbourhood crime and justice pioneer areas in the UK.

The new initiative is designed to make community service more visible and improve support to victims of crime.

Ms Smith said: "Sometimes the criminal justice system can feel remote and appear more interested in supporting offenders than punishing them or protecting communities.

"We’re determined to take action on this."

The move will see a neighbourhood crime and justice co-ordinator appointed to give Thanet residents a greater say in the way their streets are policed and how offenders are dealt with.

They will also be responsible for raising awareness of the rights offered to local people by the national Policing Pledge.

The set of 10 targets includes answering 999 calls within 10 seconds, responding to emergencies in urban areas within 15 minutes and ensuring that police patrols are visible at times when they are most needed.