A 24-HOUR CCTV system in Heaton Park has been hailed a success, less than three months after it was installed.

The £600,000 scheme was set up just in time for the start of the Commonwealth Games.

Twenty cameras were installed at strategic points in the park, including main entrances, car parks and amenities such as the farm centre and pets corner.

They were linked up to a dedicated, manned control centre where views of the park were recorded 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Heaton Park management committee, park general manager, Eddie Flanaghan said: "The CCTV system has had a dramatic and immediate impact on improving safety in the park.

"There has been a marked decrease in incidents since the CCTV cameras were installed and we have had some convictions because of evidence from the CCTV cameras."

Mr Flanaghan said the park had also increased security patrols as part of the new drive against crime and would continue to improve safety.

He added: "This year has been one of the quietest that I have had to deal with."

The 640-acre park is run by Manchester City Council and the scheme was believed to be the largest of its kind in a British park.