Almost 80% of people in Northern Ireland say they have confidence in the PSNI a new survey has indicated.

The figure is contained in a survey published on Wednesday by the Policing Board.

The la-*test*-('") independent six-monthly findings of public perceptions of policing will make good reading for the police service.

However, the Policing Board has said it could still be better.

More than 1,000 people were questioned and nearly four out of five said they had some, a lot, or total confidence in the ability of the PSNI to provide an ordinary day-to-day policing service.

The figure is up 2% on the last six-monthly survey - but it falls short of the 83% target set by the Policing Board.

Professor Sir Desmond Rea, chairman of the board, has welcomed the findings.

However, he said the fact that the target had not been achieved demonstrated that the police still had some work to do.

The police have also welcomed the findings.

Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner said the increase in confidence was a reflection of the hard work of officers and staff.