Darlington's 100th closed-circuit television security camera is to be installed this month.

A pole has been erected in North Lodge Park and the camera will be positioned on top of it in the next two weeks, said a Darlington Borough Council spokesman.

The council says the cameras have dramatically reduced car crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

The new camera, which will be in the centre of the park, has cost £25,000. It marks the start of refurbishment work in the park, which will include provision of a play area, work on footpaths and lighting, and landscaping.

A grant of £270,000 from the Transforming Your Space Lottery fund is paying for the project, in which the Friends of North Lodge Park group is involved.

Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "CCTV has been a huge success in reducing car park crime to one of the lowest levels in the country. This latest addition shows the value of cameras when it comes to protecting parks and public spaces."

The council is planning to install more cameras, including two in North Cemetery and two in South Park.