THE first partnership of its kind in the country has seen incidents of arson fall by more than a quarter in County Durham and Darlington.

The multi-agency Arson Reduction Strategy was developed and launched a year ago.

Last night, it was revealed that the initiative has resulted in a 27 per cent reduction in deliberately started fires in the past 12 months.

The figures also show that the number of fires in vehicles has fallen by 28 per cent and nuisance fires in derelict buildings or discarded refuse has also fallen.

Two out of every three fires attended by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service have been started deliberately.

Every year, arsonists cost the area £9m, as well as putting the lives of the public and fire crews at risk.

Michael Stephens, Arson Reduction Co-ordinator at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said it was clear that any initiative needed a wider approach if it was to be effective.

It was therefore decided to form a partnership between the Fire and Rescue Service, the Police and local district and borough councils.

The ground-breaking pact was established and, in May last year, the Arson Reduction Strategy was launched.

Since its formation, Mr Stephens said there has been "robust and efficient clearance of abandoned vehicles in the area".

Derelict and empty properties have been secured, refuse not permitted to accumulate and repeat offenders identified.

These practical steps have also run alongside an education programme in which fire officers have visited schools to talk about the consequences of deliberately starting fires.

Mr Stephens said: "The service has embraced partnership working to help bring about real improvements to safety and the environment.

"By working with Durham Constabulary, local councils and residents and focusing our efforts through the development and launch of the joint Arson Reduction Strategy, we have been very encouraged by the overall reduction in acts of arson in County Durham and Darlington.''

But he also said: "There is still work to do and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure the downward trend in acts of arson and deliberate fires continues into the future.''