NINE police forensic and fingerprint experts have been praised for their work which helped to capture a string of criminals in Darlington over the past year.

Their attention to detail provided the missing link in clearing up hundreds of crimes carried out in the town, in particular a spate of house burglaries which took place at Christmas.

Numerous car thefts and burglaries at commercial and school premises were also solved thanks to the technical experts.

Seven past and present members of Darlington's scientific support team, with two members of the Durham and Cleveland fingerprint bureau, have been awarded commendations for their "consistent and outstanding" efforts.

Fingerprints experts Brian Schudel and Gail Asbury were honoured, with forensic colleagues from Darlington, including Peter Manson, John Marr, Peter Ridley, Dave Masson, Rob Smith, Amanda Guy and Chris Mackintosh.

Detective Inspector Ian Phillips said: "Investigating crimes is always down to teamwork, and our success in detecting these offences was almost entirely due to the work of these specialists. In gathering evidence the crime scene investigators make a vital initial contribution, which is then backed up by the expertise of the bureau staff.

"I cannot praise them too highly for their outstanding, collective efforts."