New measures are being introduced to give extra support to vulnerable witnesses in court cases.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) hopes the initiative will encourage intimidated and vulnerable witnesses to report crime and improve the quality of their evidence in court.

Measures include the use of screens in court, evidence via a live TV link for adults as well as children, video statements recorded before the trial used in court, using communication aids, such as signboards, and officials removing wigs and gowns if necessary.

Other plans include clearing the court for sexual cases or because of intimidation.

The measures will be introduced at Lewes, Chichester and Hove crown courts over the next few months.

Alison Saunders, chief Crown prosecutor for Sussex, said: "The Government has accepted some groups, particularly adults with mental health and learning difficulties, were virtually excluded from the system and were more susceptible to abuse.

"These measures will also be used to improve the treatment of intimidated witnesses to encourage them to give evidence of crime to the police.

"We don't want the quality of their evidence to be diminished because they are afraid or distressed by court proceedings."