A SCHEME aimed at combating rogue traders, bogus callers and distraction burglaries is in line for a national award.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Homeguard scheme is being considered for the Brindley Medal, awarded by the Trading Standards Institute.

Trading standards support officer Michelle O'Rourke was in London yesterday to present the council's case for the award.

Since Ms O'Rourke started work on Homeguard in March last year, with funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, thousands of people across Redcar and Cleveland have been given advice on bogus callers.

She said: "It is a problem across the borough, not concentrated in certain areas. According to national research, only one in ten of these sort of incidents ever get reported."

The council's cabinet member for community safety, Councillor Joyce Benbow, said: "This has been an excellent scheme which is a great benefit to the community, and we wish it every success in the final."

Homeguard is up against schemes from four authorities, and will be judged by a panel including representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Local Government Association and sponsor Marks and Spencer.

The winner will be announced at the Trading Standards Institute's annual conference, in Edinburgh, on Tuesday, June 24.