TWO of Darlington Borough Council's CCTV staff are to be given commendations by Durham Police for helping to catch a burglar.

Ian Bowerbank and Dave Leonard were on duty in the town hall CCTV control room in the early hours of September 21, when they were contacted by police about a burglary in the West End of town.

The suspect had run off and police around Darlington were looking for him.

The CCTV staff were briefed about the incident and soon after they noticed a man on a bike fitting the description of the burglar.

Using information from the staff, who continued to track the man, the police caught the suspect in the grounds of St Teresa's Hospice.

When he was stopped, the police found property from the burglary on the man and when his house was searched more stolen property was found.

Mr Bowerbank and Mr Leonard will receive their Area Commander's commendations from Robin Trounson, Chief Superintendent of Durham Police.

The ceremony will take place in the council foyer tomorrow from noon.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for community and public protection, said: "I am delighted our CCTV staff were able to help the police in this way.

"The staff work very hard to help protect the people of Darlington and make the town a safer place."