THE winner of a competition encouraging people to dial 999 to report crime, was given a tour of Darlington police station.

Eight-year-old Gerry Hart, a pupil of Holy Family RC Primary, was shown what happens when an emergency call comes in and shown around equipment and vehicles.

The competition was organised by Caroline Houghey, a member of the Cockerton Action Group, who carried out a survey on residents' opinions about policing and found many people called the station, rather than dialling 999.

Inspector Dave Orford, of Darlington police, said the competition, which was open to young people across the Cockerton area, appeared to have got the question across well.

"We've got cracking posters," he said and added that the competition, along with visits to schools in the area by police, had also helped youngsters learn the consequences of making hoax calls.

Rita McSherry, also of Holy Family School, came second, with Cockerton Primary pupils Natalie Dinsdale and Ben Straw, third and fourth.

All three won prizes donated by The Northern Echo, Mrs Houghey and the action group, including Harry Potter toys.

Other youngsters who entered the competition and received certificates were: Katie Hill, Natalie Sprentail, Fiona Martin, Frances MacFarlanes, Lauren Sweet, Molly Irving, Thomas Metcalfe, Bethany Gooseman, Charlotte Yates, Jennifer Nelson, Annabel Gooseman, Paul McGee, Charlotte Barbarics, Sarah Bell, Kimberley Walton, Daniel Shepperson, Kirsty Tracey Blenkinsop, Paul McDermott, Margaret Hart, Rachael Houghey and Nicolle Kay.