RESIDENTS in three east Durham villages are being offered advice on staying safe as part of a campaign against crime and anti-social behaviour.

Police teams will be stepping up patrols in Horden, Hesleden and Blackhall to offer reassurance and tackle anti-social behaviour.

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service's local personnel will be calling at homes to offer free fire safety checks and fit free smoke alarms.

A range of other agencies will be taking part in the initiative, offering information and advice on services.

The campaign will be at the following locations: tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm, Sunderland Road playing fields, Horden; Wednesday, from 10am to 5pm, Horden Welfare car park and Welfare Centre; Thursday, from 9.30am to 12.30pm, outside the Hardwicke Pub, Middle Street, Blackhall; from 1pm to 6pm, the green opposite the Community Centre, Hesleden; Friday, from 10am to 4pm, St Joseph's Church car park, Blackhall.

The initiative is part of Operation Milkshake, which follows a week of positive action by police and other agencies in the villages to crack down on crime, remove litter and clean-up graffiti.

The campaign involves Durham Police, Easington District Council, the area's Community Safety Partnership, the DVLA, Customs and Excise, the fire and rescue service, the Environment Agency and East Durham Homes.

Some funding has been obtained from the Home Office and the Neighbourhood renewal Fund.

Inspector Paul Harrison, of Peterlee police station, said: "The first week of Operation Milkshake has been extremely successful in tackling issues identified by communities, such as drugs and anti-social behaviour.

"These operations provide the opportunity to engage in more proactive tasks and by working in partnership we can more effectively address the concerns of the local community, as well as enabling us to tackle criminal activities and environmental issues."

During the first week, police raided several properties and seized drugs, including Class A drugs, cannabis and amphetamine.