DURHAM’S Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg wants the public to be his eyes and ears.

On his first day in the job, the former senior policeman announced that he wants to set up community panels to help him be the voice of the people.

The panels will represent all constituency areas and help him to deliver his manifesto.

Mr Hogg said: “I want to be able to represent as many local people as possible.

“To do this, I want to set up community panels that will become my eyes and ears on police and crime issues.”

He will host a public consultation day on Thursday, December 13 at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington (morning ) and at Durham Town Hall (afternoon ).

He will consult the public about his police and crime plan and the force’s budget.

The event is free and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Anyone interested in attending or joining a community panel should visit http://www.durham-pcc.gov.uk, call 0191-383 5511, e-mail enquiries@durham-pcc.gov.uk or write to: Office of the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UL.