CRIME-BUSTING security cameras in Wear Valley are to be monitored by operators from a neighbouring authority as part of an innovative scheme.

Operators at Darlington Borough Council are to monitor the seven closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) watching over Crook town centre from the control room in the town hall.

In November the operators started controlling eight cameras in Bishop Auckland, as part of an undisclosed deal with Wear Valley District Council.

The service is bringing in revenue, which will be invested in new cameras and pay for staff.

Darlington's CCTV manager Graham Putt said: "This has come about because of the reputation we have for looking for new opportunities.

"The money is to be ploughed back into the system so we can continue to roll it out further in the town."

Darlington has 105 cameras operatored by 16 workers who monitor up to 40 screens from the town centre base.

The scheme was launched ten years ago following a £750,000 investment by the council.

Since then a further £750,000 has been invested, which has mainly come from a series of Government grants.

Councillor John Williams, Darlington Borough Council leader, said: "The success of our CCTV system has been widely recognised.

"Other local authorities around the country regularly visit and contact us to find out how it should be done.

"We have even had calls from local authorities overseas asking our advice.

"Ten years on and closed-circuit television is a great success and something we plan to continue to develop."