A TEAM of street wardens has been awarded quality badges for their high standard of work.

The warden scheme was launched in 2001 by Easington District Council in an attempt to improve the physical appearance of streets and open spaces and to prevent anti-social behaviour.

The project has proved so successful that the new employees each passed the Warden Quality Standard with distinction in November.

This week, the wardens were presented with their awards by Sian Bunn on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister's Neighbourhood Renewal Unit.

The street warden scheme was assessed on a number of key areas, including how well the service was performing; how the scheme is managed and how well it works with the community.

Councillor George Patterson, executive member for the environment at Easington council, said: "Having been awarded the quality mark with distinction, residents can now be assured that District of Easington's warden scheme is well run and works well with other organisations to tackle issues such as vandalism, graffiti, abandoned cars and litter."