STREET wardens were sent out on patrol yesterday in a move to improve people's lives in Wear Valley communities.

Government Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong launched an extended warden scheme yards from her constituency office in Crook.

Wear Valley's initial team of wardens was so successful that, when funding was running out, the district council found money in its budget to extend the service.

Now, ten wardens cover Willington, Crook, Weardale, South and Central Bishop Auckland, Coundon and Leeholme, with another two due to be recruited.

The service has been awarded the Legal Services Commission Quality Mark Award, while the Audit Commission has recognised its positive impact on community safety.

Ms Armstrong said: "It is about people having control of their neighbourhood and feeling it belongs to them.

"The Government's Respect agenda is about the same thing. It is about feeling that our rights as citizens are going to be respected by others and about acknowledging the rights of people around us."

Council leader Neil Stonehouse said: "The street warden scheme has been a great success and has made a noticeable difference in reducing anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime in some of our most deprived communities."

Sarah Robinson and Trevor Abbott are the new wardens in Crook. Louis Hodkinson and Vanessa McGee have gone on patrol in Weardale. John Lamb has joined Wayne Reed in Willington.

Barry Tray and Deborah Boughey work in south Bishop Auckland with Steve Green and Roger Metters covering central Bishop Auckland, Coundon and Leeholme.

Chris Walton and Roger Ward manage the service.