THE latest tool in the fight against crime in rural Durham communities has been unveiled.

Marc, the Multi Agency Resource Centre, run by Derwentside Crime and Disorder Partnership, aims to help residents in isolated villages.

The mobile centre, bought with cash from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, will carry police and staff from Derwentside District Council, Durham County Council, Derwentside Primary Care Trust and Neighbourhood Watch.

Along with helping to tackle crime concerns, it will also offer advice on a range of issues, from health to nuisance neighbours.

Chief Inspector David Hogg, of Derwentside police, said: "Effective crime prevention depends on individuals and communities being given the right advice and then acting on it.

"It will enable us to visit targeted communities to offer sound, free advice on crime prevention measures and on other successful schemes.

"Marc will give the public more access to us generally to discuss their concerns."

The vehicle will be at Asda, in Stanley, on Friday, Focus, in Consett, next Saturday, and Safeway, in Consett, on December 23, from 10am to 6pm. It will be at Tesco, Consett, on Christmas Eve, from 11am.