HUSBAND and wife police officers Jeff and Gill Parkes really do work in tandem.

The crime-fighting couple are helping to put the brakes on criminals after being given two bikes, helmets and full reflective clothing.

The pair picked up their new equipment after being given £1,000, which was raised by members of Stockton Residents' Association.

Keen cyclist Jeff will be covering the Portrack and Tilery area of Stockton, while wife Gill will take care of the Hardwick area of town.

They will now be able to cover about 20 to 30 miles a day - something they could never do on foot.

The bikes may not be equipped with sirens or flashing lights, but according to Inspector Ray Morton, the two-wheeled patrols still have the desired effect.

He said: "The bikes will provide visual reassurance and I hope they will break down the barriers some people have with the police.

"They also have the added advantage of being able to respond to incidents quicker than officers on foot.

"This is the first time officers have taken to the streets of Stockton on cycles."