A TEAM of County Durham youngsters is helping police in their fight against bogus callers who prey on the elderly.

The pupils, from Tanfield Comprehensive School, near Stanley, are working on designs that can make older people's homes more secure, in their entry for the North-East Students Innovation Challenge.

Andrew Peak, head of design and technology at Tanfield, said: "The pupils did really well, getting first and second place. We are really pleased with their efforts."

The team will work with Durham Constabulary to come up with a design that will reduce the number of sneak-in and distraction burglaries among elderly residents. Their entry will be judged alongside four others from schools across the North-East, at the finals in July.

The year nine pupils came first and second in the heats of the contest and scooped a £1,000 prize for their school.

They came out on top despite stiff competition from Deerness Valley Comprehensive School, Durham, Blackfyne Community School, Consett, Greenfield School Community and Arts College, Ryton Comprehensive School and Hookergate School, in Gateshead.

The contest was based on the theme of an ageing population, with each school asked to design a futuristic kitchen for the year 2022 that would be suitable for older residents.

Entries included voice activated security systems, revolving work stations and smart fridges that can order shopping and give recipe ideas. Other gadgets included high-tech wellies with a radio and heating system and even a "magic mirror" that makes people look younger.

The event was staged at the University of Durham and was organised by technologytransfer company RTC North.

The challenge is funded by regional development agency One NorthEast, GONE and the Saga Group.

For further details on the challenge, visit the website, www.studentinnovationchallenge.com