COMMUNITY projects across Peterlee area have played host to County Durham’s Lord Lieutenant.

Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon visited six of the town’s ongoing projects to get a taste of how partner agencies are working together to provide communities with support and positive diversionary activities.

In particular, the tour focussed on projects providing young people with opportunities for social and professional development.

The visit was arranged by representatives from Durham Constabulary, Durham County Council, and Peterlee Town Council.

PCSO Michelle Burr, of Peterlee neighbourhood policing team, said: “The best way to see the real results we’re achieving is to see it first-hand.We wanted to give Sue the opportunity to meet the people directly affected, and to hear their stories of the real changes in their lives that these projects have brought about.”

Among the projects visited were the Eden Hill Community Project, Woodhouse Park’s new community garden, the Sliding Door project and Gleeson Homes’ Stephenson Road building site, where Olivia Ward, 16, is serving as an apprentice, following her engagement with other police led youth projects.

PCSO Burr said: “Olivia is a shining example of how a young person can be diverted away from a life of anti-social behaviour, and towards a promising, fulfilling career that is rewarding not only to her, but to the whole community.”

Peterlee mayor Scott Meikle said: “Peterlee Town Council is really proud of the brilliant results that we’re seeing in the town through engaging with young people and helping them to shape a better future for themselves.

“We hope that the Lord Lieutenant got a really good sense of the hard work that local agencies and the people of Peterlee are investing in our young people to help them make good choices and become the young heroes that we know they can be.”