Hertfordshire has been ranked the best police force area in England and Wales on two key measures of public confidence.

The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales found that 59 per cent of Hertfordshire residents believe their local police are doing an excellent or good job.

This was the highest proportion recorded across all 43 police force areas and compared with a national average of 49 per cent.

Hertfordshire also came top when residents were asked whether police were dealing with the crime and anti-social behaviour issues that matter locally.

Some 62 per cent of respondents in the county agreed, compared with an average of 48 per cent across England and Wales.

Hertfordshire was the only police force area to score above 60 per cent on this measure.

The independent survey is conducted by the Office for National Statistics through interviews with members of the public.

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said the findings reflected improvements being made by the constabulary.

He said: "Public confidence has to be earned and to be ranked top nationally on these two critical measures is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work of police officers and staff.

"The results reflect the progress being made in Hertfordshire, such as the 50,000 hours of additional high-visibility hotspot patrols over the last two years, the fact that more crime is being solved and that 999 and 101 calls are now being answered much quicker.

"These results also call into question the need for the Government's police force mergers, given the increasing effectiveness and public confidence in Hertfordshire as a standalone force.

"While things are moving in the right direction, there is still much to do and nobody should ever be complacent. I will continue advocating for the best possible policing for Hertfordshire."

Hertfordshire Constabulary Chief Constable Andy Prophet said he was "immensely proud" of the results.

He said: "I am delighted that the hard work of officers, staff and volunteers across Hertfordshire Constabulary is making such a positive difference for the people we serve.

"To see Hertfordshire as the best in the country for two such important measures is great to see. I am immensely proud of what has been achieved and remain ambitious about the future."

Building public confidence is among the priorities included in the Police and Crime Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan.

Other priorities include tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, supporting victims, preventing young people from becoming involved in crime and improving the service residents receive when contacting police.