VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help an organisation which tackles crime in rural areas.

Valewatch, farming's answer to neighbourhood watch schemes, needs people to walk regular rural beats in the Easingwold and Thirsk areas.

Since its formation, the group has played a vital role in crime prevention.

Working with police, recent successes include the arrest of four men suspected of stealing a wagon with a high-value load and the arrest of two men who where attempting to steal quad bikes. Four men were also arrested for attempted vehicle theft.

"The group is really our eyes and ears," said Chief Inspector Tim Madgwick.

"We are not asking members to become a second police force, but to relay information which could become vital to an arrest or conviction."

The Easingwold and Thirsk group has about 200 members.

For more information, call Inspector Val Broadley on (01609) 789621.