A TEN-YEAR-old boy whose ambition is to be a policeman had his first taste of detective work when he alerted officers to the whereabouts of a missing three-year-old girl.

Police were called to Blackton Close, in Newton Aycliffe, near Darlington, at 7am yesterday, when a resident saw a little girl wandering the streets alone wearing her pyjamas.

Police dispatched vans, cars and sniffer dogs to sweep the surrounding area until ten-year-old Cameron Harnett said he knew the girl and police tracked her down at home.

Yesterday, Newton Aycliffe police sent Cameron a thank-you card signed from the force and an Easter egg to show their appreciation for his help.

Cameron, who attends St Francis School, Newton Aycliffe, said: "We called the police over because I knew who the girl was.

"It was really exciting being in the back of the van and I feel good that I was able to help."

The little girl, from Derwent Place, had sneaked out of the house without her parents knowing, some time before 7am.

Inspector Andrea Clayton said: "We had a call come in that a little girl with blonde, curly hair had been seen wandering alone in her pink pyjamas.

"We had the air support on standby and we had the loudspeaker out asking residents for help and information.

"Cameron was excellent with his help and we are really pleased with the response from all the residents with what could have been a very scary incident."

Cameron's mother, Natasha, 28, who has four children, said: "Our neighbour had tried to pick up the little girl, but she had started screaming so he went in to call the police. When he went back outside, she was gone.

"A few minutes later, police were here, asking people to come forward. That's when Cameron said that he knew the little girl. I'm pretty pleased with Cameron, I think he did a good job."

The girl was found at 8am safe and sound after finding her own way home.

Police have said there is nothing suspicious connected to the incident.