THE community work of a Newton Aycliffe volunteer has been recognised in the national Neighbourhood Watch Awards.

Dorothy Bowman has been highly commended in the outstanding achievement category after impressing judges with her commitment to making her community safer and with her involvement with young people.

Mrs Bowman has even bought a minibus to take local children on day trips, which she does free of charge and in her own time.

Mrs Bowman, founder of the Dales Neighbourhood Watch in Newton Aycliffe, has also recently begun a junior Neighbourhood Watch. The scheme has been very successful, with the children showing a real pride in their area.

Mrs Bowman said she was delighted with the award: "I was very pleased to be put forward because we're trying to get crime down in this area and all over Newton Aycliffe. We've got some marvellous policemen in the town, but they're not always appreciated."

The winners of this year's awards, sponsored by Norwich Union, will be announced at a ceremony in the Tower of London on Wednesday, October 9.

* A new Neighbourhood Watch group in Newton Aycliffe meets for the first time on Monday. The group will meet at 6.30pm at the Greenfield Meeting Hall, on the Horndale housing estate.