TWO local schemes are in with a chance of securing a coveted national crime-busters prize.

Sal's Place, a Lancaster-based domestic abuse support centre, and Morecambe neigh-bourhood policing team have been named as finalists in the Criminal Justice Board's national justice awards.

They are among five projects in Lancashire put forward for the top national trophy.

Sal's Place, the first base of its kind in Lancashire, will compete with other finalists in the Partnership of the Year' category.

And the Morecambe neigh-bourhood policing team is in the final of the section for Outstanding Achievement in Engaging Communities'.

The Morecambe project has been noted for its work across a range of communities in the resort from street briefings with residents to local community beat managers in every neighbourhood.

Police say it has resulted in crime levels falling by 6.5 per cent and confidence in the police soaring to 88 per cent.

Divisional Commander Ch Supt Gary Stephenson, who nominated the team, says the achievements are a blueprint for policing in the future.

"This initiative is a clear demonstration of how the police have engaged with the community by seeking views and responding accordingly.

"As a result we have made a significant impact on people in this particular area."

Sal's Place, set up earlier this year, offers an innovative new one-stop family justice facility for male and female sufferers of domestic abuse in Lancaster and Morecambe.

It has services available to support sufferers, increase confidence, improve referrals between agencies and increase the number of convictions.

"Sal's Place is a fantastic example of the work that can be achieved by working together to protect people," says Ch Supt Stephenson.

"This is a groundbreaking initiative and although it is early days we have already seen the benefits of the one stop approach to domestic abuse in regards to the protection, support and help we provide to sufferers.'' The local schemes will now compete with 33 other finalists chosen from across the country. Tthe winners will be announced in London on November 2.