COMMUNITY safety teams are hailing the success of a direct appeal to residents to help cut arson attacks.

The number of deliberate fires started across Sedgefield borough during this year's Easter holidays was 23, halved from last year's 47 arson-related incidents.

To help combat the problem this year, Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership asked residents to take precautions and report potential fire hazards and rubbish for workers to remove.

The partnership worked with police, the fire service, Sedgefield Borough Council's neighbourhood wardens and youth groups to raise awareness of the risks and target problem areas.

Partnership chairman Glyn Hall said: "We're delighted the campaign was such a success.

"While it was aimed specifically at the Easter holidays, we hope that people will continue to help the authorities prevent deliberate fires being started in the borough."