A SPECIAL team of police officers has gone on patrol in rural parts of County Durham, giving extra help where it is most needed.

A sergeant and six constables from Durham Constabulary's new rural support unit are providing extra manpower around the county.

They were in Stanhope and Frosterley yesterday before moving on to Tow Law last night, and have also worked in parts of Derwentside.

The unit will make use of extra officers paid for by the Government's crime fighting fund.

Durham's six territorial divisions will all have equal call on the unit, which is made up of experienced beat officers working from 8am to midnight.

As well as working in areas where there is no regular police presence, the team will work alongside beat officers and other organisations to tackle local problems.

Inspector George Ledger, of Crook police, said yesterday: "They are more than bobbies on the beat.

"They work alongside our own officers and can be of great assistance targeting extra help where it is most needed."

Durham's assistant chief constable, Ron Hogg, said the unit's responsibilities would vary according to local priorities, but would provide a mix of visible patrols, crime prevention and targeting local hotspots based on local intelligence.

He said: "It will give us added flexibility and aid high-visibility policing. It will provide support and reassurance in areas traditional policing is unlikely to reach.

"There might be disorder problems in a certain area which need tackling, or a project by a local beat officer which needs support.

"Either way, the work of the unit will stay true to our community-based philosophy of policing."

Frosterley postmaster Bob Douglas welcomed the extra police presence. He said: "It is very reassuring for villagers, particularly the elderly."

Stanhope newsagent Jane Brown said: "If it's going to be a regular thing, it has to be good for the community."