PENSIONERS in an east Durham village will be safer in their homes thanks to the fund-raising efforts of youngsters.

Pupils at Easington Community School are raising money to fit smoke alarms in the homes of elderly people in Easington Colliery.

The youngsters, who are in year nine and call themselves the Dream Team, are making the effort as part of their entry to Northumbrian Water's Square Mile Project, which encourages young people to do things to improve their environment.

The alarms will be bought with the help of the fire brigade and Age Concern Durham County, which has a centre in the village.

The children's fundraising plans include holding raffles, staging a play and packing bags in the Asda supermarket at Peterlee.

Age Concern worker Kathleen Young said: "Initially they raised £143, but they are also going to have a tombola and do bag packing at Asda to raise some more money.

"We don't know how many alarms we'll be able to fit until the fundraising is complete.

"The fire brigade will help us buy, distribute and fit the alarms.

"The pupils wanted to prove that not all young people will harass older people.

"We love working with young people. We are not just involved with older people. We do a lot of inter-generational work. This is a good exercise.''