A SYSTEM to cut crime in remote rural areas could soon help ambulances get to their patients faster.

Derwentside Community Policing Unit set up a Farm Watch scheme in north-west Durham last month.

Farmers link up with police to look out for criminals and pass on tips to improve security measures at their properties.

As part of the project, police have compiled a database of member farms, with route directions, the names of the householders and contact details.

Lanchester beat officer PC Alan Patterson, who runs Farm Watch, said: "Having the computer database means that any officer called to an emergency can find out very quickly exactly where they need to go.

"Straightaway, they can access directions, contact details and names."

It has proved such a success over the past month that the ambulance service and fire brigade are looking at adopting the system to help staff respond to emergency calls faster.

Acting Inspector Peter Dawson said: "If this helps increase public safety and public reassurance, we will be happy to share the database with other emergency services."

Since the launch of Farm Watch at Lanchester Show, more than 130 of the district's 270 farms have joined.

The scheme is also open to people who live in former farmhouses and in remote rural areas.

The system includes a Crimering computer that allows police to record a message, which is then automatically sent to all members.

It can also send information by e-mail or text message. If successful, it could be extended to cover the rest of the force's North division.

To join the scheme, call 0776 872 4991.