Closed-circuit television cameras have had an immediate impact on restoring peace to a Middlesbrough estate once plagued by vandals.

Previous measures on the town's Easterside estate included a ban on drinking in public and funding for extra police patrols.

Traffic control measures have brought an end to the estate being used by commuters as a rush hour rat run, while environment group Groundwork is sprucing up open areas and the estate now has a play area for children.

The £35,000 Home Office grant for the security cameras is the latest stage in attempts to improve the quality of life for residents.

June Goodchild, chairwoman of the Easterside and Saltersgill Community Council, said residents had started the New Year feeling safer.

Mrs Goodchild said: "We want to be proud of where we live - and we will be. We are going to be the envy of Middlesbrough, because of all the hard work that has been put in.''

She added: "The cameras are on, 24 hours a day. I have been pulled up by residents remarking how the estate is a lot quieter; really quiet. People feel safer.

"It's brilliant now, but it has been a lot of hard work.''