A TEAM of community wardens has gained the highest qualifications in their field.

Sedgefield Borough Council's neighbourhood wardens, the first community force in the country, have gained level two National Vocational Qualifications.

Last September, the former Community Force was revamped with a new name - the Neighbourhood Wardens Team.

The team underwent new training and got extra powers.

Manager Ritchie Brown said: "They have been through a major transition period.

"They have undergone various training and we are the first warden team to achieve a NVQ level two in their field."