COMMUNITY safety was top of the agenda during an awareness event this week.

The day was organised by the Shildon Community Safety Group, at Shildon Civic Hall, and was attended by people of all ages from the town.

Representatives from the police, the fire service, Sedgefield Borough Council and other organisations were on hand to discuss safety issues, and the group was able to pass on information to help ensure the safety of people in Shildon.

Carol Fletcher, treasurer of the group, said: "The day was well attended and we were very pleased with it, but the safety group is here all year round and we are always happy to help.

"We are a charity aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime among the people of Shildon and we do that in a number of ways.

"We offer information and advice about staying safe, but we also issue things like spy holes for doors, clasps for garden sheds and timer switches for lights. Things like this can go a long way towards reducing crime and we can even arrange to have them fitted."

For more information about the Shildon Community Safety Group, call 01388-778300. Callers are reminded the service is only open to residents of Shildon.