Cumbria's two top police officers turned down more offers of gifts and hospitality than they accepted last year.

Figures published by Cumbria police show that Chief Constable Jerry Graham and his deputy Michelle Skeer were offered the chance to attend events around the county or receive a gift on 23 occasions.

In total Mr Graham received 18 offers between April and October last year, accepting eight and declining 10, while there were five offers made to Mrs Skeer. She accepted just one and turned down four.

In monetary value the offers made to Mr Graham did not exceed £400 and those offered to Mrs Skeer were no more than £200.

Mr Graham accepted offers from the Mayor of Carlisle in April last year to attend a lunch at the city council’s annual meeting, the High Sheriff of Cumbria Sam Rayner to attend a drinks reception he hosted and from the Police Federation to attend their annual Bravery Awards dinner in London.

He also accepted an offer from The Cumberland News, the News & Star’s sister publication, to attend the Community Hero Awards at Dalston Hall in June last year.

However, he turned down offers from Workington town council to attend their mayor making service in May last year and an invitation from developer McCarthy Stone to visit their new retirement living complex in Penrith last June.

Mrs Skeer also accepted the invitation to attend the Police Bravery Awards, an offer which was worth £125. She turned down the High Sheriff’s drinks reception in Brathay Hall and an offer from the Brathay Trust in May last year to attend a celebration for their Aspiring Leaders Programme end of year celebration.

A Cumbria police spokeswoman said: “Cumbria Constabulary’s over-riding principle is that any offers of gifts, gratuities or hospitality are declined.

“However, a gift may be accepted if it is of trivial nature, for example items offered during a conference or inexpensive gifts of thanks from members of the public or victims of crime which have been offered as genuine appreciation of outstanding levels of service.

“When considering whether to accept any gift or offer of hospitality all officers and staff must always consider if it is genuine, independent, free of obligation and transparent. The constabulary’s professional standards department maintain a central register of hospitality and gifts which is monitored on a monthly basis.”