Police have been given a mobile camera unit to film trouble spots and gather evidence about unruly conduct in a rural part of the region.

The closed circuit television (CCTV) vehicle will be used for the first time this week in Barnard Castle, County Durham, and surrounding villages.

Similar units have been used in towns and cities around the North-East before, but not in the Teesdale area.

Its arrival was welcomed yesterday by Councillor John Yarker, Mayor of Barnard Castle, who said: "We have damage caused by a few trouble makers, and I am sure this will help to put a stop to it.

"Those who do nothing wrong have nothing to fear. But anything which clamps down on the minority who cause a nuisance has to be good for the area."

The vehicle's first task will be to focus on the area around a Co-op store in Cockfield, where there have been complaints about youths causing a nuisance.

Police Sergeant Bill Dutton said yesterday: "This has become a local hot spot for low-level anti-social behaviour, with youths abusing people and causing some minor damage.

"We have had reports that some customers are afraid to go past the youths to get to the store. It is not serious crime, but it is a nuisance which has to be stopped.

"The vehicle is clearly marked as a mobile CCTV unit. It will be parked near the store during evenings, and if groups of young folk are causing any sort of trouble they will be filmed."

Sgt Dutton said it would also tour the centre of Barnard Castle on Friday and Saturday nights.