VOLUNTEERS on a mission to ensure their village remains a safe place to live have received a special award from the police.

Betty Wood and Pat Corner have lived in Howden-le-Wear in Crook, County Durham, all of their lives and are proud of the strong sense of community spirit that exists there.

As well as being involved with the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, the duo help to run the local Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting, and in recent years they have trained as Safer Homes volunteers.

And it is for this work that Mrs Wood and Mrs Corner have received Wow Awards from Durham Police.

Along with their friend, Sandra Burdess, the duo give up their time to visit elderly and vulnerable residents and provide free crime safety advice and equipment.

PCSO Sean Baikie, of Crook Police, said: “The work these volunteers do is so important. People really appreciate the fact someone in the community has taken the time to go and see them. It also helps prevent social isolation.”

Mrs Wood, who has already received one Wow Award for her crime prevention work, said she was delighted to receive the accolade, adding: “Howden-le-Wear is a wonderful place to live and we want to help keep it that way.”

Mrs Corner added: “It’s lovely to go round and have a chat with people and show them that we care.”