A LEWDOWN crime prevention initiative has taken two prizes in this year's national neighbourhood watch awards.

The Countryside Watch Association won a commendation in the rural award category and its co-ordinator Colin Harris was commended for his efforts in that role.

'I'm absolutely delighted to get these awards,' he said 'It's nice to get a thank-you, because it's not very often voluntary organisations get any thanks for what they do.'

Mr Harris will be presenting a speech on the rural partnership approach to community safety at the awards ceremony to be held in Nottingham this weekend.

He said he would be highlighting the work between the agencies in the West Devon Community Safety Partnership, the role of the various watchgroups in the area, their special relationship with the police and the new initiative by the county high sheriff.

'The Devon Crimebeat is the latest approach to crime prevention. It is designed to discourage young offenders before they become a burden to the community,' he said.

Mr Harris said many of today's hardened criminals began their careers as young offenders and a large proportion of crime is attributable to young people. This initiative is aimed at breaking the cycle.