NEW-style law enforcers will take to the streets of County Durham in the autumn.

The Home Office has agreed to pay £128,000 for 25 community safety officers (CSOs) in Chester-le-Street, Derwent-side, Durham City and Sedgefield.

The officers will have citizen's powers of arrest if they witness a crime, can demand personal details and issue on-the-spot fines for anti-social behaviour.

They will tackle problems including drunkenness, graffiti and abandoned vehicles.

Ten officers have been patrolling Darlington since the end of January.

The Home Office money covers half the cost of the scheme. Many of the officers will be recruited from the county's existing traffic wardens.

Acting Assistant Chief Constable Paul Tinkler said the officers would complement the record number of police officers on the beat.

"I am sure the sight of uniformed CSOs on the streets will, through their increased visibility, offer the public extra reassurance and underline our determination to rid the streets of the yob culture," he said.