A £50,000 upgrade to the CCTV systems in three Ryedale towns is now up and running.

The charity Ryedale Cameras in Action (RCIA) was founded in 1997 to manage and to raise funds for the town centre CCTV in Malton, Norton and Pickering.

In the last few years, the trustees recognised that the original system was old, unreliable and expensive and there was a need to explore what would make a suitable replacement that was both affordable, with IP, high-definition and as future-proof as possible.

The system is permanently on and recording 24/7 every day of the year and is monitored for RCIA by Scarborough Borough Council at their CCTV suite.

Annual running costs are being met by Malton Town Council, Norton Town Council and Pickering in Business, who have stepped in after funding was withdrawn by Pickering Town Council in 2013.

Inspector Martin Dennison, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “The system is already proving its worth as it has helped us with our inquiries into criminal activity in all three towns.

“Those who wish to offend in our towns need to know they will be apprehended and the CCTV is a valuable tool, along with the work of local officers and PCSOs to ensure this happens.”

Martin Dales, chairman and a founder member of RCIA, said: “On behalf of the trustees I want to thank all those who have shown their support to fund a replacement system when there are so many other pressures on finances - these include Malton Town Council, Norton Town Council, Pickering in Business, Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, Malton and Norton businesses, Ryedale District Council and North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

“It is very pleasing to have Pickering back on board.

“I do hope residents and businesses alike will support Pickering in Business in helping them raise the funds they need annually.”