Residents are being urged to attend crime prevention and safety roadshows - and they could win prizes.

Staff from the Sunderland Housing Group, Northumbria Police, Age Concern, Victim Support, Sunderland City Council, and the Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade will visit six locations to offer advice and information on community and personal safety and the steps people can take to avoid accidents or crime.

Jo Walker, Special Initiatives Officer for the Sunderland Housing Group's Houghton and Hetton Housing Company said: "We know community safety is very important to all residents who live in our communities, so we are delighted to be able to host these events.

"The events are quite informal, organised on a drop-in basis, and I would encourage anyone who can attend to come along.

"We will also be holding a free prize draw for anyone willing to answer a few questions regarding their feelings about safety in their community. There are some fabulous prizes to win."

The roadshows will take place between 7 and 10pm at: Houghton Area Housing Office, Houghton-le-Spring, Monday October 3; Easington Lane Community Access Point, Brickgarth, Easington Lane, Thursday October 6; Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Shiney Row, Monday October 10; The Hetton Centre, Hetton-le-Hole, Thursday October 13; Penshaw Community Association Building, Wensleydale Avenue, Penshaw, Monday October 17; Churchill Square Community Room, Fence Houses, Thursday October 20.