THREE projects aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour in towns across County Durham have received much-needed cash backing.

Durham Police Authority has awarded donations for schemes operating in Stanley, Peterlee and Ferryhill. Front-line officers involved with all three projects submitted bids to the police authority to underwrite their efforts.

It resulted in awards totalling almost £10,000 from a fund set up earlier this year specifically aimed at cutting crime and disorder.

The money will prove a lifesaver to a community warden scheme in Stanley, and help to guarantee the future of young people's discos in Peterlee and a football-in-the-community initiative in Ferryhill.

About half the money will go to the street warden scheme in Stanley's Havannah ward, which underwent a three-month trial period in the spring.

It proved popular with people of the town and thanks to the backing of the police authority, plus council support, it can continue until further funding is processed through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Sergeant Dave Scott, a project organiser, said while the burgundy and black clad wardens were not employed to enforce the law, they were part of the "police family".

"They provide a service directly to the people of the Havannah ward by addressing key areas of concern.

"Where problems of an anti-social nature are identified, ranging from youth nuisance and disorder, to dogs fouling the pavement, they talk directly to the people involved and to any other relevant agency, including ourselves, to find a solution."

In Peterlee two Friday night disco clubs will operate on alternate weeks thanks to a £1,000 award from the authority.

Club Idol, for 12 to 14-year-olds and Club Envy, for 15 to 17-year-olds, will operate in the small hall of the town's leisure centre, with membership available for up to 200 youngsters.

More than 100 boys and girls take part in football sessions at Ferryhill's Dean Bank Recreation Ground, backed by beat bobbies and Sedgefield Borough's community wardens, on Fridays from 6pm to 8pm.

Run by coaches from Darlington FC, it has helped to reduce juvenile disorder. The £3,800 award from the authority will help to cover running costs.