RESIDENTS are being urged to help neighbourhood watch schemes as part of a national initiative this week.

As part of National Neighbourhood and Home Watch Week, information will be available at various locations throughout Darlington about setting up and joining a scheme.

A national website is also being launched to let people find out about Neighbourhood Watch schemes in their area.

Louise Buckley, police community liaison officer, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the public, spread the message on how important Neighbourhood Watch is, and recruit new members.

"It is an especially important time in Darlington because the newly-formed Darlington Neighbourhood Watch Association has just been launched and members will be joining in with the events."

The first event to promote Neighbourhood Watch was held yesterday at Pease Monument in the town centre.

People will have the chance to find out information at more venues this week:

Tuesday, 9am to 1pm - Community Safety Partnership van at Co-op, West Park;

Wednesday, 10am to 11am - Coffee morning at the Community Centre, Larchfield Street

Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm - Community Safety Partnership van in Redhall;

Thursday, 2pm to 6pm - Stall in reception of Asda, Whinbush Way

Friday, 10am to 2pm - Stall in reception of Morrisons, Morton Park

Saturday, 10am to 5pm - stand at Darlington Community Carnival in Stanhope Park.