A COMMUNITY-spirited couple have been rewarded for dedication to their village.

Wilf and Jeanette Garbutt, aged 85 and 80 respectively, received the Sedgefield Neighbourhood Watch Chairman's Award for 2005 from Ken Saiger.

The couple, who have lived in Sedgefield for almost 60 years, are the longest-serving members of the watch scheme.

The pair were founder members of the group, which started life as the Crime Prevention Panel and has evolved to tackle community issues from safety and security to street cleanliness.

Mr Saiger praised their efforts, which include posting signs around the neighbourhood, making door-to-door visits to raise awareness of issues and events, and supporting the work of local police.

He said: "At their combined age of 165 years, Wilf and Jeanette are still good neighbours in their street and the wider village.

"They are determined to keep being involved and continue helping to make Sedgefield a safer place to live."

He added: "For this, we thank them most sincerely and look forward to many more years working together."

Mrs Garbutt said: "We love this village and want to be active within it. It was a lovely surprise to get this chairman's award.

"We have only ever participated to try and keep it safe and keep the community spirit alive.

"It would be nice for more young members to get involved."