THE tenth anniversary of closed-circuit television cameras being introduced in Darlington has been marked by a visit from MP Alan Milburn.

The system was installed in October 1994 at a cost of £750,000 and now has more than 100 cameras placed across the borough.

They provide live pictures, which are relayed back to a control room in the town hall.

So far, the security system has helped police to make more than 4,000 arrests.

This year, cameras have been installed in South Park, North Lodge Park, Eastbourne Park, Alderman Crooks Park and North Cemetery.

Residential areas of the town also benefit from the system, with cameras covering the Firthmoor estate, Stanhope Road and Northgate.

Mr Milburn visited the cameras' control room, where he was shown around by Darlington Borough Council leader John Williams.

Coun Williams said: "Our CCTV system has had tremendous success over the last decade as an effective force against crime.

"It has helped catch criminals, it is an excellent deterrent against crime and has helped to raise levels of public reassurance.

"Over the next ten years we will be doing all that we can to maintain the level of success we have achieved so far."