COUNCILLORS have been given a crash course in combating extremism.

Members of the Durham Police and Crime Panel completed an e-learning course called Prevent.

The course is part of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy, which requires councils and police forces to help stop people being radicalised.

Councillors from County Durham and Darlington were taught how people might be drawn into terrorism, how to spot this happening and how to tackle it.

Councillor Joy Allen, the Panel chair, said: “We’re very lucky that County Durham and Darlington are generally very safe places to live. However, councils have an important role to play in combating extremism.

“In light of the current heightened awareness around the world, it’s everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant.”

All councillors who completed the course received certificates from Durham Police Deputy Chief Constable Steve Watson.