A north Suffolk village has become the safest place in the county according to new figures.

Fressingfield, near Harleston, has taken over from Debenham as the place with the least recorded crime in Suffolk.

In the 2010/11 financial year, police were called to the village just 31 times, which represents 0.1pc of the county's overall total.

Mid Suffolk remains the safest district despite a slight increase in crimes, from 3,231 to 3,376, followed by Babergh, Forest Heath and then Suffolk Coastal, which all saw a reduction, according to figures compiled by The Suffolk Observatory using data from the Office for National Statistics.

Prue Rush, chairman of Fressingfield Parish Council, said dutiful neighbours were key to keeping the village safe.

'We benefit from having people who keep an eye out for each other, and a very good neighbourhood watch system.

'We have good contact with the local police, who come along to parish council meetings to keep us informed. Occasionally a patrol car goes through the village, which causes great excitement!

'It's not a particularly wealthy or isolated area - we have just over 450 homes in the village and enough people to have 13 parish councillors. Perhaps we're just fortunate.

'In the current climate, it may be pertinent to note we have very little trouble with young people, who are mainly pretty well behaved,' she said.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Marshall was pleased that crime had remained low in spite of financial challenges, adding: 'This further reflects the fact that not only is Suffolk a safe county but it is one of the most efficient forces in the country.'