POLICE support officer John Angus is being hailed as the hero of Hurworth.

He has won praise from parish councillors for the impact he is having on anti-social behaviour in the village.

They say that in just over a week he has made an enormous difference to the area, recently plagued by youth disorder and vandalism.

At Tuesday's parish council meeting, Coun Ian Black revealed that residents of Mr Angus' previous patch missed him so much they were raising a petition calling for his return.

"He is running the kids ragged and I am delighted with the work he has done so far," he said.

New councillor George Lawman agreed. "Things are already showing signs of improvement," he said.

But Mr Angus says he doesn't want to just "chase the youngsters up and down."

"I want to see long-term action to get facilities for young people," he said.

One of the original police support officers in Darlington, Mr Angus previously covered Lascelles and Firthmoor.

With Hurworth becoming a disorder "hotspot" he was moved to provide back-up to PC Boyd Rowe.

"Hurworth has potential facilities for young people, but we need funding," he said. "I can move them on but that in itself is no good. The young people have to have something to do.

"For example, Hurworth has playing fields. There should be community soccer teams and such."

A father and grandfather himself, he says the job is down to communication with the youngsters.

"I know where they are coming from. I spent 22 years in the army dealing with all types of people," he said.

"They just need a bit of guidance. It is no good being heavy-handed. You have to get among them. But I also warn them that if they cross me they will be arrested. They know I am approachable but also that I can be firm.

"I hope I can deliver results for the community. But it is not a short-term fix. I want to be able to see things in place two years down the line. I want facilities."

Mr Angus says he loves his job as a police support officer. "I am so glad I went for it. Every day is a challenge," he said. "The police have been totally supportive and I feel like part of the force family."