A POLICEMAN has described his delight at being honoured for setting up a pioneering youth scheme.

PC Mick Watson, of the Durham constabulary, established the Get Hooked on Fishing initiative, with the help of Durham Agency Against Crime, about three years ago.

The success of the programme, which aims to reduce anti-social behaviour by getting youngsters involved in angling, has earned him the Queen's Police Medal.

Hundreds of youngsters in the Durham and Darlington area have taken up fishing as a result of the scheme after being referred by youth offending teams, the voluntary sector and parents.

The project has since been extended to six other parts of the country and a total of 10,000 youngsters nationwide are expected to have passed through it by next year.

PC Watson, who is originally from Newton Aycliffe, said: "It came as a total surprise to me, my family and friends - I'm very proud of what we have achieved, which is down to the kids that I get to work with.

"There have been some excellent achievements in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, teaching kids to read and write and use information technology equipment."