Crimefighters have taken to the streets on Wearside.

Sunderland now has 15 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to help fight crime and disorder in the city.

The PCSOs work under supervision of police officers but they have a vital role as additional eyes and ears for Northumbria Police in Sunderland.

They have been recruited as part of a three-year project, part funded by the Home Office, and have completed a month's training.

Chief Inspector John Brady, operations manager for Sunderland City area command, said: "The PCSOs will provide a much needed service for the community.

"They will patrol on foot between 4pm and midnight each day and will help officers tackle disorder and anti-social behaviour."

The patrols will cover parts of the city centre including the Park Lane Interchange and the Millfield and Barnes areas, covering Sunderland Royal Hospital and Sunderland University.

Chief Insp Brady said: "We hope the people of Sunderland will get to recognise these new PCSOs quickly and work with them to help prevent and reduce crime.

"They will work alongside regular officers and Special Constables and will provide a visible reassuring presence which we believe will make our communities feel safer."

PCSOs have a distinct uniform with blue epaulettes, ties and cap bands, they have the same powers of arrest shared by any citizen.

Their enforcement duties relate mainly to unruly behaviour and include the power to seize alcohol and tobacco from young people, stop vehicles for road checks and issue fixed penalty tickets for offences such as dog fouling.

A further six support officers are being recruited for Sunderland West.