CRIME Commissioner Ron Hogg was among the visitors to a week-long event police are staging in the centre of Chester-le-Street.

Mr Hogg, a retired senior policeman, is the first holder of the post in the County Durham and Darlington area and is resident of the town.

He went to the annual Chester-le-Street Market Activity Week, which started today (Monday, August 18) to meet residents and listen to their concerns and views on crime and policing.

The event, now in its seventh year, is coordinated by local officers, and offers activities and attractions for children and their families.

Bouncy castles, a climbing wall, rodeo bull, human demolition ball, gladiator joust, inflatable maze and slides, assault course and a bungee run. face painting or temporary tattoo sessions are on offer throughout the week.

YMCA, Royal British Legion, Check 4 Life health checks, members of the police motorcycle team and Sunderland AFC’s charity, Foundation of Light are among the organisations that will be at the event, which runs until Friday (August 22).

All activities are free of charge and available in the Market Place between 10am and 3pm each day.

“We hope people of all ages will come along and enjoy what’s on offer during the week,” said PCSO Adrian Richards.

Among the sponsors of the event are Mr Hogg, local Durham County councillors, the council’s Area Action Partnership and Cestria Community Housing.