THREE projects aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour in towns across County Durham have received cash backing.

Durham Police Authority awarded donations for schemes operating in Stanley, Peterlee and Ferryhill.

Front-line officers involved with all three projects submitted bids to the police authority to support their efforts.

It resulted in awards totalling almost £10,000 from a new fund set up earlier this year specifically aimed at cutting crime and disorder.

The money will prove a lifesaver to a community warden scheme in Stanley, and help to guarantee the future of young people's discos in Peterlee and a football-in-the-community initiative in Ferryhill.

More than 100 boys and girls take part in the football sessions at Ferryhill's Dean Bank Recreation Ground, backed by local beat bobbies and Sedgefield Borough's community wardens, on Fridays from 6pm to 8pm.

Run by coaches from Darlington Football Club, it has helped to reduce juvenile disorder, and the £3,800 award from the authority will help to cover running costs.

About half the money will go to the street warden scheme in Stanley's Havannah ward, which underwent a three-month trial period in the spring.

It proved popular with townsfolk and thanks to the backing of the police authority, plus council support, it can continue until further funding is processed through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Sergeant Dave Scott, a project organiser, said that while the burgundy and black uniformed wardens are not employed to enforce the law, they are part of the "police family".

"Where problems of an anti-social nature are identified, ranging from youth nuisance and disorder, to dogs fouling the pavement, they talk directly to the people involved and to any other relevant agency, including ourselves, to find a solution."