SECURITY cameras installed in two villages near Catterick Garrison are playing their part in the fight against vandalism.

Parish councillors from Hipswell and Scotton say the seven cameras, which are monitored from the garrison police headquarters, seem to have lessened the area's anti-social problems.

Coun Pat Middlemiss, chairman of Scotton Parish Council, said: "Word has got round and things seem to have quietened down. The kids are aware of the cameras because they make a noise when they swivel round. If we do have any damage now, we will be able to look at the footage, which is very high quality and very clear."

While pictures were in colour during the day, monochrome was used at night to allow clear pictures of events which happened after dark.

She and Coun David Metcalfe, chairman of Hipswell Parish Council, led the two-year campaign to have the CCTV systems installed.

The parish councils attracted £261,000 of Home Office funding towards the four cameras for Scotton and three for Hipswell, installed in the last few weeks.

Monitoring and maintenance during the first year were paid for with the help of £1,000 from Richmondshire District Council and £500 from North Yorkshire County Council's area committee.