A Watford estate has become the nation's first ‘protected’ community.

The Stanborough ward has been chosen by the Safer Watford partnership to a pilot a programme, believed to be one of the first of its kind nationally, aimed at improving people’s quality of life.

The partnership, works to improve community safety, and includes Hertfordshire Police, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, the county Police Authority, the County Council, West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust and Watford Borough Council.

Free crime prevention advice, fire safety checks and blood pressure tests will be some of the things offered to residents.

There will also be ‘DNA’ property marking with a substance which, when a thief comes into contact with it, leaves a trace which police can then identify.

If the scheme proves successful it will eventually be rolled out across the whole of Watford.