The project which is being piloted in Bishop Auckland, involves an inspector, two sergeants, 13 beat bobbies and three community support officers.

Superintendent Jane Spraggon, of Durham Police, said the scheme has been set up because of demand from local people.

If successful, it will be rolled out to rural Teesdale and Weardale.

Superintendent Spraggon said: "Much good work is already going on within our communities but we are constantly looking for ways to improve.

"We have been getting right down to street level and listening to what both individuals and their ward leaders have to say.

"It has become clear the public want to see more uniforms on the street, better response times when they call us and the opportunity to talk directly to their local bobby."