A BUILDING society has been handed an award for supporting a scheme to reduce crime on the streets of County Durham.

Mercantile Building Society has been supporting a scheme led by the Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC) to make County Durham and Darlington a safer place for residents.

The agency's mission is to support and introduce community safety initiatives to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

Over the years the DAAC has benefited from extra support from its members, who consist of professionals within the business community, voluntary organisations, local authorities, probation services, fire and rescue brigades, Durham Prison and the Chamber of Commerce.

Mercantile Building Society has been a member of DAAC since it was established in 1990 and has worked with the organisation on many initiatives over the years.

Mercantile area manager Robin Greenwell said: "We understand and appreciate the importance of crime initiatives such as those implemented by DAAC and we will continue to support the agency in the future."

Tim Wilson, executive manager of the DAAC, said: "We are delighted and extremely encouraged by the valuable support we have received from Mercantile Building Society who have been loyal members since the Agency was set up 12 years ago."