YOUNG crimefighters have teamed up with police and housing officials to form a junior Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

A group of boys and girls, aged eight to 13, set up the scheme in Easington Colliery, County Durham.

The Colliery Crimebusters, as they are now known, watch over the Station Road and adjoining C streets of the east Durham coastal village.

Encouraged by local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Anne Ward, a series of meetings were held to get the group started.

Advice and assistance has been offered by village beat officer PC Malcolm Pugh and colleague, youth issues officer PC Karen Brettell.

The scheme has received further backing from Kath Smith, area manager for Accent Homes, which manages the estate.

Council street wardens were also involved in the meetings that led to the formation of the neighbourhood watch group.

A poster, drawn by 12-year-old Amy Wilson-Tate, promotes the group's aims - to make their neighbourhood a better place to live.

Activities have included litter picks and the delivery of crime prevention leaflets to elderly residents.

Fifteen group members have attended teambuilding and confidence-raising workshops to improve their personal and presentation skills.

Members of the group were yesterday presented with prizes for their work.

Inspector Gary Fraser, of Durham Police, handed over prizes to Amy, for her poster design, and to Steven Davies, who helped to draw up the group's aims and objectives.

Both received gift vouchers during a day-long celebration, featuring a mobile skate park, provided by the local Community Safety Partnership, at the former colliery site.