COUNTY Durham's Neighbourhood Watch volunteers have been rewarded for their outstanding crime fighting skills.

Seven coordinators have earned certificates of commendation in the national CGU Insurance National Neighbourhood Awards.

Also rewarded are one of the county's watch schemes and a police-backed scheme teaching primary school children personal safety, crime prevention and first aid skills.

The seven coordinators commended are: Joe Harrington (Darlington, Mowden); Brian Dickinson (Newton Aycliffe, Linden Place); Rose Newall (Shotton Colliery, Hawthorne Terrace); Ray Patching and Edna Atkinson (Seaham, Northlea); Denis Parish (Peterlee, Eastfield); and Sheila Robinson (Peterlee, Easington Village).

Brian Dickinson was commended in last year's awards along with Norman Darby, organiser of Mowden Neighbourhood Watch scheme, Darlington, a scheme which was recognised this year in the community service category.

Durham City's Kids on Track scheme, run by coordinator Tim Thompson and PC Sue Hoggarth, received the remaining award. The project has been delivered to eight and nine-year-olds across Durham.

The 12-week programme sees children working on tasks relating to crime prevention and community awareness.

They can secure points which can be exchanged for prizes donated by the police, Durham City Council and McDonald's restaurants.

Only a handful of the 48 participating forces secured more commendations than Durham.

The winners will receive certificates at at police headquarters, Aykley Heads, tomorrow.

PC Brian George, of Durham Police's community safety department, said: "These awards reflect the enormous amount of sheer hard work put in by some very dedicated people.