THE North West's first witness care unit opened in Crewe this week.

As part of a Government initiative to enhance victim and witness care, the unit is designed to reduce the number of trials which collapse because of witnesses and victims who are too scared to give evidence.

The unit, situated at the police station in Crewe, will house trained witness care staff. It will provide a point of contact for the victims and witnesses of crimes and provide practical help as cases come to court.

Lynn Fearn, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: 'We are working with different organisations and support agencies to deliver this service and we aim to make witnesses feel comfortable and protected.'

Two other Cheshire units, in Chester and Warrington, opened on the same day.