HOMEWATCH Scheme co-ordinators have been awarded a qualification in recognition of their hard work.

For the last 10 weeks co-ordinators --who are the focal point of homewatch groups --have attended Leigh Police Station for tuition. And in return for their dedication they have been rewarded with NVQs at a special presentation night.

Chief Inspector Ian Palmer, operational chief inspector at Leigh Police Station said: "We see homewatch as an intergral partner in community safety. Scheme members have a desire to make their neighbourhoods safer places and we fully support all their efforts."

The course, organised in recognition of the contribution to safer communities that homewatch schemes can offer, covered a range of topics such as preparation and presentation delivery and crime prevention research.

Wigan and Leigh College course tutor Julie Guy said: "Considering this course is the first of its kind that I have undertaken I was very impressed with the level of commitment and team spirit by all those on the course."

The intiative is part of the Homewatch Promotion Project, funded by the Coalfield Challenge and Greater Manchester Shrievalty Police Trust.

Anyone interested in Homewatch can contact Homewatch Administrators Paula Wooding on 0161 8567212 or Henry Wood 0161 8567053.