The Colliery Crime Busters, (CCBs), is an innovative local youth initiative whose aim is to combat crime and address the issues faced by young people in the community where they live.

The group was formed in April 2005, when the housing officer was approached by some young people at a local adult neighbourhood watch meeting who wanted their own meeting.

The young people gave us a refreshing insight into the real problems in the neighbourhood - drugs, smoking, boredom, arson, drinking, graffiti and theft. The young people said that they would like to help resolve these problems and also build bridges between themselves and the older members of the community. They also expressed concern over the lack of facilities for them in the area, simply saying that they "wanted some interesting activities that would help stop their boredom and, in turn, reduce crime."

Now there are organised activities, monthly meetings and a local disco which is attended by around 80 young people. The police have commented that there has been a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour.

The project has enabled many bridges to be built, enhancing relationships between young people and elderly residents on the estate. It has created a notable respect between police and young people in the neighbourhood.

The impact of the project is spreading and lifting community morale - highlighted by the friendly football matches played between the young people and the police. These have proved to be not only popular, but a great success and crucial in breaking down barriers.

The project has had a significant and positive impact on the personal development and rise in confidence of its individuals. It has increased community safety, heightened respect between members of the community, and has been a major contributing factor in the reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour.

CCB members have solely devised their own projects. To continue the good relationship between young and old, one of these was to make up Christmas hampers and deliver them to the elderly residents on the estate. The recent CCBs versus police football match was organised meticulously and taken very seriously. It was played on a full size pitch and an FA registered referee officiated. Respect for others, self-discipline and pride in their efforts were the positive outcomes from these exercises.

In addition to this, it should be noted that there has been a considerable human resource contribution from the housing officer. They have overseen this project above and beyond their normal role, without compromising their core duties and responsibilities to the residents.

The group has grown quickly from 10 to 35 regular members. They have been willing and flexible to initiate, and take part in, a wide variety of activities including litter picks, leaflet deliveries, monthly meetings, sporting activities, life skills training and visits. The visits included educational tours of the local fire and police stations and White Lea Farm, and leisure time spent at a skate park and a day out karting.

Members' parents and local councillors are now also engaging with the project and helping to organise the weekly disco, which is currently attended by around 80 young people aged 8-21, and football training.

The CCBs project has engaged with, and is currently working with, a broad base of partners and contributors. These include Accent Foundation, the police, police community support officers, street wardens, councillors, local authority enforcement officers, Durham Agency Against Crime and other residents.

CCB members have identified, and developed, a better understanding of diversity, especially now they have become aware of the lifestyles and support needs of our local elderly and vulnerable residents. They have built bridges across the community and are keen to continue to strengthen these relationships.

These innovative young people really have founded and built this group. They continue to strive to enhance their own lives, and the lives of the people who share the community, by staying healthy, safe and learning to be good citizens. The values and skills they have learnt during this development will give them a strong platform to shape their adult lives.

The impact on the community has proved to be a great success. It is a safer place to live and a more respectful place to be. The recognition shown by the High Sheriff award and the fact that the High Sheriff personally came to Easington to present it, has instilled a new found pride in the neighbourhood.

So impressed by the project, the High Sheriff has nominated the CCBs for the National Crimebeat Awards.