FIVE special constables went on patrol yesterday to help make life safer for thousands of villagers.

The team of special constables will help to fight crime in Crook, Willington and some of the more remote communities in Upper Weardale.

They have joined a police initiative which got under way yesterday, and which is backed by Wear Valley District Council and funded through the Single Regeneration Budget.

Durham Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable, Paul Garvin, said at the launch in Willington that although the levels of reported rural crime in the county were dropping, people still felt unsafe.

He said: "We need to address the fear of crime and the feeling people have of being vulnerable to theft, vandalism and violence.

"The real problem in rural communities is the fear of crime and the sense of isolation, where people feel cut off from police and other services."

The special constables have a wide range of experience both within and outside the police force.

Mother-of-three Michelle Robson, aged 38, joined in 1998 and was given responsibility for eight village communities in Upper Weardale earlier this year. A qualified nurse, from Ireshopeburn, she is also treasurer of her local Women's Institute and runs a meals delivery service with her husband, Steve.

John Sherrington, 21, works at the Flymo factory in Newton Aycliffe; and 23-year-old Nicola Young is a postwoman.

Also in the team are 29-year-old Tony Hart, who works at Hart's Garage, in Spennymoor, and David Whitehead, 38, who is employed by Elddis Caravans, in Consett.

Oates' Garage, in Willington, has donated a Nissan Micra to help them on their beat.

Crook police Inspector Graham Hall said: "Similar schemes have highlighted a number of benefits. These include increased police visibility, extra reassurance for the public, additional support for regular officers and a better use of existing police resources.

"The special constables will be working in villages and outlying areas they all know well.

"They either work or live locally, and I'm sure they will quickly establish themselves on their respective beats and get to know everyone.