A street warden scheme set up to patrol nine East Durham villages is already making a difference.

The team of half-a-dozen wardens was established earlier this year by Easington District Council to tackle anti-social behaviour.

According to the first quarterly report issued by the wardens, they have already received a very positive reaction from the public.

So far this year they have dealt with more than 400 incidents, including vandalism, abandoned cars and litter.

Sports activities

Senior warden Stephanie Gardner said they were still hoping to provide more activities for local youngsters.

She said: "We are looking to get funding to provide sports activities for children.

"We are hoping to get football games set up for and get them off the street."

The scheme was set up under the government's Crime Reduction Programme, with the Home Office providing �241,000 funding.

The wardens began patrolling in the spring, and as well as tackling low-level crime, they are also intended to reduce the fear of crime.