A TEAM of environmental wardens was given the official seal of approval as it went on patrol yesterday.

The three men and two women have been appointed to help improve the quality of life of residents in villages from Hutton Henry and Wingate to Thornley and Wheatley Hill.

The District of Easington was one of 120 local authorities awarded Government funding for the environmental venture, after the council, along with the Home Housing Group, submitted a winning bid.

Yesterday, at a ceremony at Peterlee's Shotton Hall, the unit was given a send off by the leader of the District of Easington, Alan Napier, cabinet member for the environment, David Taylor Gooby and Easington's MP, John Cummings.

Coun Napier told the gathering that the new wardens' brief was to implement environmental improvements, as well as tackling localised anti-social behaviour and to help allay fears of crime.

He said the scheme had been devised to improve the quality of life of residents. He said: "We will meet regularly with other agencies to make sure this scheme is successful.''

Coun Taylor Gooby said the wardens would be making regular patrols and would be responsible for taking enforcement action against anti-social behaviour as well as helping to stamp out littering, dog fouling and fly-tipping.

Mr Cummings said he was delighted that Easington had been among the first authorities in the country to be selected to receive funding for the warden scheme.

He said: "I am confident that the street wardens will make our community a safer, cleaner and more secure place to live.''

He added: "These wardens will be the eyes and ears of the community and will take a proactive role by talking to people, young and old, and will have the means to tackle problems quickly.

"The team of street wardens, will, I am certain, make a significant difference to people's lives."