A PILOT scheme that has reduced the number of cars being set on fire is being extended across County Durham.

The county's fire service and community safety partnerships have joined forces to remove old and abandoned vehicles likely to be targeted by arsonists.

The scheme was started in Easington, where it achieved a 42 per reduction over six months compared with the same period last year.

Across the county, the number of vehicle arsons has fallen by 29 per cent as the initiative has been taken up in other areas following Easington's lead.

Station Officer John Bowery, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service's arson co-ordinator, said: "The idea is that if a vehicle is reported to the council as being abandoned the police will do a risk assessment based on its appearance, value, its position and whether it is a danger to other road users and pedestrians.

"If we feel a vehicle is attracting attention and poses a risk we can ask the recovery agents used by the police to take it away.''

To be classed as abandoned, a vehicle must have no registered keeper, be untaxed, be damaged or neglected and left in a place that suggests it has been dumped.

Inspector Sue Collingwood of Darlington police said: "This is something we have been working closely with Darlington council on. We are in a position to act to remove those vehicles."