IN a move to take policing to the heart of the community two officers will be based in Stockton International Family Centre.

Funding for the officers has been granted from a government initiative called Neighbourhood Management.

The money will also provide a community liaison officer.

The officers will be liaising with the Parkfield, Mill Lane and Town Centre residents' associations.

This will mean the officers will be on hand to offer practical advice to residents and asylum seekers all under one roof.

Inspector Ray Morton, from Stockton police, said: "This is a bold step on both sides. In the long term we hope to see a breaking down of barriers - both perceived and real. We are here to help to be part of the solution to an integrated community."

Issues such as drug dealing, substance misuse, domestic burglary and racist incidents, which otherwise may have gone unreported, can be dealt with directly from the office.

Insp Morton, who is a qualified FA coach, will also be offering training facilities in Norton Sports Centre and hopes to establish a community football team.

Police hope the project will see a turnaround in the negative stereotyping on all sides. Insp Morton said: "This is a huge task, but it is a very proactive way of integrating the residents of Stockton."