A DURHAM policeman has landed a national award for steering youngsters away from crime - by getting them hooked on fishing.

PC Mick Watson won acclaim from the angling community when the scheme was launched at Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland, at the end of April.

Children, aged ten to 16, receive a minimum of four days of one-to-one coaching, as well as access to local fishing clubs and day ticket waters.

Coaching volunteers are available during the first 12 months to give youngsters extra help and advice.

Since Get Hooked On Fishing was launched, more than 80 youngsters, including ten girls, have taken up the offer.

More than 300 are expected to join the scheme in the next two years.

PC Watson's work has been recognised by the Angling Times, the country's biggest fishing publication, which has named him the first winner of its Dick Walker Memorial Prize.

The Angling Times' editor, Richard Lee, presented the bronze trophy, a figurine of Mr Walker landing a fish, to PC Watson.

PC Watson said: "The Get Hooked On Fishing idea was hatched in the early hours of one morning when I was pursuing specimen carp.

"It is designed to stop youngsters from a cross-section of social backgrounds drifting into crime and disorderly behaviour by giving them a worthwhile hobby, that will keep them out of harm's way.

"I am flattered to receive the award, which serves to acknowledge the hard work of the many people who have been involved in making the scheme the success that it is."

l A LEADING Durham Police officer has netted a top job examining football violence at home and abroad.

Assistant Chief Constable Ron Hogg has joined the 15-strong working group, which includes former England international Trevor Brooking and TV chef Delia Smith, a director of Norwich City FC. The group, chaired by Home Office Minister Lord Bassam, held its first meeting in October, and is expected to publish its findings at the end of next year.