TEN wardens took to the streets of Stockton and Billingham yesterday to begin their new patrols.

Wearing red and black jackets, the wardens will patrol in pairs every afternoon and evening in the St Aidan's and Grange wards of Billingham and the Parkfield, Newtown, Norton Grange, Portrack, Tilery and town centre areas of Stockton.

Working with residents' groups, housing officers, the police and Stockton Borough Council's security service, they will contribute to local regeneration and community spirit by reducing crime, disorder and the fear of crime.

This is the second group of community wardens in the borough and is part of a two-year pilot scheme, jointly funded by the Government and Safer Stockton Partnership, led jointly by Stockton council and Cleveland Police.

The first wardens, introduced last year in Thornaby and Hardwick, have already reduced the fear of crime in these areas.

Residents wishing to contact a warden can call the security and surveillance centre, on (01642) 391199, or the wardens' mobile, on 0797 026660.