A JUNIOR neighbourhood watch scheme has won nearly £10,000 in funding.

Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP) has awarded Durham Police £9,475 so the scheme can be offered to all 21 primary schools in the AAP area.

The project is aimed at showing children aged nine to 11 the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour and teaching them about personal safety.

Junior Neighbourhood Watch members get a uniform including a jacket, cap and reflective coat and miniature Police and Communities Together (Pact) meetings are held to discuss issues of concern.

Claire Laidler, youth issues officer at Durham Police, said: “This programme is a fantastic way for young people to engage with various agencies and learn valuable life skills and good citizenship.

“Children learn how to keep themselves safe and how to look after and support others in their community in a fun and interesting way.”