A NEW neighbourhood watch scheme has received £1,000.

The government-funded cash will buy security lights and chains, peep-holes and personal alarms for St James and Chapels Neighbourhood Watch.

Co-ordinator Sue Freear, 50, said: "It's unusual for a Neighbourhood Watch to get that amount of money so we're very pleased."

Police patrols have recently been stepped up on the estate following a number of burglaries.

Sue said: "We have to decide who to give the equipment to - the police gave me a list of people who they thought were vulnerable. And we have to look at who hasn't got security lights and could benefit from having them.

"People think Neighbourhood Watch just means putting a sticker up in your window and being nosy but it's a lot more. It makes you aware of other people on the estate."

The issues a newsletter and works in association with the St James Residents Association.

Sue added: "It's about being part of the community. For example, when a couple on the estate got married but didn't have any money we arranged a wedding reception.

"In the summer we took three bus loads of people from the estate to Southport and Blackpool and we have got 50 tickets for the pantomime at Blackpool this year.

The watch has been going for around four years and received a national award for 1999-2000.

It came about through the local police constable who was on the estate at the time.

Coun Eileen Entwistle, of Sudell Ward, said: "We support the Neighbourhood Watch group in any way we can - they are doing a good job."