A PARTNERSHIP to tackle crime in the Sedgefield borough has received a boost by being awarded charitable status.

The Sedgefield Partnership Assisting in the Reduction of Crime (Sparc) will now be able to access more funds to help set up crime-fighting initiatives.

The group was initially formed about ten years ago, but was relaunched when the crime and disorder act was introduced and placed on a more formal footing.

Sparc, which includes representatives from the police, borough council, community and voluntary organistaions, Victim Support, schools and businesses, meets four times a year.

Initiatives the group is currently working on include support for victims of domestic violence, because Sedgefield has the highest number of reported incidents in the Durham Police area.

Sparc's secretary, crime prevention officer PC Neil Langthorne, said: "We are also looking to work with year seven children, because we recognise there is an increasing trend in anti-social behaviour, which tends to come from that age group."

PC Langthorne said it had taken about 12 months to achieve charitable status.

"It has been a long road, but I think it acknowledges the work that the members are putting in on behalf of the community," he said.

To mark the group's new status, the Newton Aycliffe branch of the Abbey National bank has made a donation of £250.

PC Langthorne often mans a stand in the branch.

Manager Jean Donnelly said: "We are trying to form a good relationship with the community and wanted to sponsor the group because they have helped our customers."

To make a donation call PC Langthorne on (01325) 314401