SELF-STYLED Spartan warrior Francis Jones is seeking saints to help him clean up the streets of Darlington.

The former boxer and born again Christian has moved his Sparta Security operation to the North Road area of the town.

In a bid to rid the area of crime, the private security team has set up home on High Northgate, its office marked by a six-foot picture of its founder, Mr Jones.

He is now calling on his new neighbours to help him tackle anti social behaviour and crime through the Sparta Saints initiative.

Mr Jones hopes to establish a team of volunteer ‘saints’ who will patrol the area and become the “eyes and ears” that will combat crime.

He said: “I want the people to serve the people and become the eyes and ears of these streets.

“There are many forms of antisocial behaviour we want to tackle around here, from drugs to flytipping.

“We just want to make this place better – the police are coming off the streets, they do a fantastic job but crime still goes on.”

Appealing for volunteers, he said: “It’s all about making a difference to the area you live in, come out, come on patrol with us and help make positive changes.”

The pilot scheme will run across the North Road area for three months, no experience is required.

Francis Jones will host a public meeting to discuss the initiative at the Royal Navy Club on North Road on Wednesday, July 8 from 6.30pm.

For more information, call Sparta Security on 0800 0234480.