Darlington'S security camera system has received gold accreditation from a national organisation.
The CCTV (closed-circuit television camera) User Group is made up of organisations involved in the management and operation of security camera systems in the UK.
The group carries out assessments of CCTV systems around the country, looking at what is available and how improvements can be made.
A recent inspection in Darlington led to the borough council's CCTV system receiving the highest accolade - a gold award.
One of the directors of the user group, Peter Fry, said: "Darlington council's CCTV must be among the best-managed systems. It has been our pleasure to see it and well-worthy of the gold award of the User Group Assessment and Accreditation."
The inspectors praised the co-operation between police and council.
The inspectors said the centre was professionally run and effective and praised staff for their good humour.
They also praised the checks carried out by volunteers.
There are 106 CCTV cameras in and around Darlington, monitored by a central control room in the town hall.
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