Tributes have been paid to the work of Norfolk Police Authority in helping to make the county one of the safest in the country.

The 17-member authority, formed in 1995 to scrutinise the delivery of Norfolk's policing service, held its last ever meeting yesterday before it is abolished later this month and replaced by the incoming police and crime commissioner.

The meeting, held at Park Farm in Hethersett tonight, heard the authority had ensured Norfolk was well placed to deal with the transition to police and crime commissioners which, the government believes, will make forces more accountable.

Speaking at the meeting, Robin Chapman, chairman of the authority, said: 'I want to thank all members past and present, for their time and effort in being supportive but also to be challenging.

'Looking back, the NPA has grown in strength and confidence to always 'do the right thing' for policing of this great county rather than the 'populist thing'.

He added that the incoming commissioner has a 'solid base to work from borne out of the excellent legacy that this authority has bequeathed to him'.

Chris Harding, chief executive of the authority, said: 'I think the police authority has done an excellent job below the radar, yes, out of the public glare, but I think it's been an effective authority during that time and has more than done what was expected of it by the government of the time.

The meeting was followed by a reception attended by past members and former chief constables including Andy Hayman and Ken Williams.

Sir Timothy Colman, retired Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, and Henry Cator, the High Sheriff of Norfolk, also attended.

For full story see tomorrow's paper.