TRADERS in Loftus are taking tough measures to put their town on the map.

Saying they are sick of being "the poor relation" in East Cleveland, an official of Loftus business group has warned: "We intend to be a force to be reckoned with. Loftus is standing up to be counted.

"Watch this space."

The business group is about to launch the Life for Loftus 500 club to raise cash for the town's CCTV system and improvements such as more car parks.

Based on the hugely successful Saltburn 500 club, the new organisation will market Loftus as a tourist destination.

The group secretary, Mrs Linda Bell, said traders and residents were standing together on the initiative. "Most businesses are with us and the feedback from residents has been terrific," she said.

Mrs Bell said local firms had been upset by recent reports which suggested they had not been involved in setting up the CCTV system.

Instead, borough and town councils, police and other bodies got the credit.

She said the group had worked hard for the past few years to get CCTV off the ground.

Other organisations had helped bring a funding bid to fruition, but she said: "My members were annoyed at not being mentioned when news of the government funding came through.

"Most members have signed up to pay a monthly amount towards camera maintenance and that is a big commitment."

Through the Life for Loftus 500 club, numbers will be sold for £1 each and a draw made every month. Of the takings, 55pc will go in prize money and the rest towards running the club and CCTV.

The group also wants a feasibility study for more car parking, and a general clean-up campaign.