Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner has said he is delighted at the improvement in the latest force fitness figures.

Tim Passmore was openly critical of the 93% pass rate in the last round of tests carried out in May, the worst in the country.

But statistics announced today showed 98% of Suffolk officers who took part in the most recent examinations had passed.

“I’m delighted that the constabulary is taking positive steps to improve force fitness in general,” Mr Passmore said.

“It’s a very, very welcome development and this is without doubt a good news story.”

To pass the examination officers have to achieve level 5.4 on the bleep test, a 15 metre shuttle run at increasing speeds. Reaching the required level is the equivalent of running at 5.5mph for 3mins 35secs.

The average success rate nationally was 97.5%. In Suffolk 297 officers took part with six failing, compared to 60 out of 863 missing the mark last time.

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Wilson said: “Fitness testing for officers has been implemented in Suffolk for over six years now and we carefully monitor those who are not successful and offer support and guidance where necessary to help improve their levels of fitness.

“The latest figures which have been released are very encouraging and show the level of commitment from officers who strive to be fit for 21st century policing.”

In Essex the pass rate was 96.4%, with 20 of the 562 attendees failing to make the grade.

An Essex police spokesman said: “The results are very similar to the previous results and indicate that the majority of our officers are fit.

“We will support those who do not pass the test to help them achieve the required standard.”