A £120,000 control centre for a network of closed-circuit TV cameras in the Hambleton district is now operational.

The monitoring of the district's 41 cameras is being carried out from a purpose-built centre at the authority's Stone Cross headquarters.

Cameras cover the town centres and car-parks in Northallerton and Thirsk. Another five will be added next spring to take in Stokesley.

Although Hambleton District Council bore the initial cost of installation, the monitoring had been carried out by the civilian staff from the police force, with financial help from the council.

The police withdrew from the scheme and council operatives took over the role in April.

Council leader Councillor June Imeson said yesterday: "Moving the control room into the confines of the civic centre has secured the future of the scheme.

"Centralising the operation will enable us to continue with the planned programme of expansion, to bring more of the district under the umbrella of the cameras."

Richmond MP William Hague is expected to formally open the control centre next month.