ACTION is being taken in Sedgefield and Darlington boroughs to reduce the amount of money lost in benefit fraud.

The two borough councils are taking part in a joint initiative with all of County Durham's local authorities and JobCentre Plus to raise public awareness of the National Benefit Fraud Hotline.

Anyone can report a benefit cheat by ringing Freephone (0800) 854440 and every call will be treated in total confidence.

From Monday, posters will be displayed on the back and the inside of Arriva and Stagecoach buses travelling throughout the region.

Brian Allen, Sedgefield Borough Council's director of finance, said: "It is hoped that this increased publicity will result in more reports of suspected fraud cases, which will be jointly investigated by local authority and JobCentre Plus staff.

"Sedgefield Borough Council is committed to improving its benefits service and the vast majority of benefit customers will have nothing to fear from this campaign.

"However, people who are prepared to submit fraudulent claims need to be aware that the borough council will take tough action and a number of prosecution proceedings have already been taken."

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said: "As a council we are committed to tackling the issue of benefit fraud both locally and nationally. We are delighted to be working in partnership with other local authorities and central Government on this campaign."

The campaign was launched this week by Sedgefield borough councillors John Moran and Lucy Hovvels.