VOLUNTARY crimefighters who help police to patrol their rural community are appealing for more help to ensure the continued success of the scheme.

The Darlington West Rural Watch was set up in July 2004 to cover the farming communities on the fringes of the town.

They hold regular patrols in areas including Piercebridge, High Coniscliffe, Walworth and Heighington. Although there are about 70 members of the scheme, it relies on a core team of 12 people to carry out the patrols.

It was set up by beat officer PC Julian Brown, and is organised by Valerie Whitby, a councillor on Heighington Parish Council.

Mrs Whitby said: "It is not every week. It would be nice if there were more of us and every road end was covered."

Another volunteer, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I got involved because I have had two burglaries myself.

"It was a matter that if we weren't prepared to do it, who was."

Volunteers work in pairs to monitor suspicious late night activity and assist police to stop drivers.

Working at different points on roads around the district, they use radios to communicate with each other and police.

Police patrols stop any suspicious vehicles and also carry out spot checks.

The first time the team operated it helped to recover several thousands pounds worth of farm machinery stolen from Barnard Castle.

The group has also set up a text messaging service with nearby groups to pass on information.

PC Brown said: "The idea is to stop things we are not happy with.

"Sometimes we will have a quiet night and we gather intelligence rather than make arrests."

The group took the blueprint from a similar scheme covering Weardale and Teesdale.