THE number of fires started deliberately in part of the region has fallen dramatically this summer, following an education programme and a zero tolerance crackdown.

In Derwentside, County Dyrham, 184 arson attacks were reported in July last year, compared with only 24 last month, while in the same period, numbers fell from 178 to 35, in Chester-le-Street and Durham, and from 120 to 23, in Easington.

Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service's Derwentside district manager, Ian Dockerty, said: "The drop in deliberate fires has been dramatic and very encouraging.

"While the damp weather this year has played a part, we believe our efforts are having a major impact.

"We have been enforcing zero tolerance toward those responsible for arson, while at the same time carrying out an education and publicity campaign."

The fire service wrote to all primary and comprehensive schools in Derwentside and Chester-le-Street, asking for the message to be put across to all pupils before the summer holiday.

In addition, posters were put up in community centres and schools to reinforce the message.

Mr Dockerty said: "We have been carrying out patrols at known hotspots and engaging with young people - telling them to enjoy their holidays, but not to start any fires."

Mr Dockerty thanked parents for heeding his call to make sure they knew what their children were up to during the summer holiday.

Mr Dockerty said police and firefighters had a list of names and information about people who start fires, and more than 50 letters weresent to parents at the start of the campaign, in April.

While the authorities still had a list of names of known offenders, there had been no need to send out any letters during the past several weeks.

He added: "Each fire is estimated to cost £2,000 for the fire brigade to deal with. More importantly, those responsible are putting other people at risk."

Persistent offenders will be served with an acceptable behaviour contract, or an anti-social behaviour order in extreme cases.

Anyone with information about people deliberately starting fires can call Mr Dockerty on 01207-502912 or the police on 084560-60-365, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800-555-111.