YOUNG people joined firefighters and police to tidy up a town to reduce the risk of arson.

The community clean-up in Stanley was part of the Firebusters day organised by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue.

The idea was to remove large piles of rubbish from back lanes and gardens and identify abandoned cars to stop firebugs setting them alight.

Assistant community safety manager Ian Dockerty said each call-out can cost the brigade up to £1,500.

Mr Dockerty said: "The biggest problem we have is that if we are dealing with deliberately started fires there are going to be less fire engines available for people who genuinely need help.

"It could cost lives because we can only be in one place at one time.

"The biggest danger about car and rubbish fires is they can spread to properties.

"We want to get rid of the problems before they start."

Mr Dockerty said serious forms of arson can result in life imprisonment while those convicted of making hoax calls can face a £5,000 fine and a year in jail.

There are more than 5,000 arson incidents in County Durham every year and make up 63 per cent of all call outs.

The brigade has secured £40,000 in funding from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster's Arson Control Forum to tackle the problem across the county.

Sgt George Cowen, of South Moor beat team, was joined by two police officers and four police community support officers on Monday.

He said: "We have taken young people to court recently over a fire in a derelict house so this should act as a warning that we will take action.

"Starting fires is a dangerous activity and people can get hurt."

Fire crews helped with the litter pick, along with various other agencies, and gave fire safety demonstrations to up to 70 young people.

Derwentside District councillor Darren McMahon said: "Arson incidents are a problem in South Moor and we have two a month.

"But everyone has pulled together to tidy the place up and as a community event it has been spot on."