West Yorkshire’s police tsar says thousands of pounds could be saved across the region through a new forensic science contract.

Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson yesterday confirmed LGC Forensics has been awarded a contract to serve seven police forces – West Yorkshire, Humberside, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Durham, Northumbria and Cleveland.

Laboratories at new premises in Wakefield will deliver the new service.

In December 2012, the Government announced the planned closure of the Forensic Science Service, which served the majority of the North East.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “The cost of forensic science has risen nationally and by negotiating this contract, we will avoid the price increases of up to ten percent encountered by other regions across the country.”