CRIME, job insecurity and television have all led to a decline in community spirit in County Durham says new research.

A survey by the Co-operative Insurance Society, released to coincide with Make a Difference Day on October 27, reveals that people in County Durham think that people were more caring in the 1970s than today. More than ten per cent of residents believe people got involved in more community-based activities 30 years ago, and were more likely to get involved in charity fundraising, politics, religious activities and community sports.

The society's social accountability manager, Paul Burke, said: "Volunteering is all about getting involved and recapturing some of the community spirit that used to be very evident.