A PRIVATE security company is channelling the might of the military in its bid to clean up the streets of the North-East.

Sparta Security has among its ranks troops of trained veterans who patrol Darlington and surrounding towns, keeping an eye out for trouble and attempting to beat the burglars.

The company, owned by reality TV star and former boxer Francis Jones, is now actively recruiting for more former servicemen and women to transform into ‘Spartans’.

Mr Jones said ex-military personnel made ideal members of staff because they already possess the skills required to provide “a first class security service”.

His firm already hires a number of ex-police and Army professionals but aim to attract more at an event being staged in Newton Aycliffe on Friday.

The Sparta open day represents the renewed efforts being made by Mr Jones and his team to support veterans and provide opportunities and employment.

The company was signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant earlier this year and in doing so, its team committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and recognising “the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.”

Mr Jones vowed to do all he could to support those who leave military life, saying: “We supply and train ex-military personnel and put them on business sites, on our task force and our night patrol team.

“We’re expanding very quickly and they’re being called every hour and doing such good work, we even received an award from one of our clients recently.

“Having veterans on the ground really helps, they’ve got common sense, experience and maturity.”

He added: “These people have supported us and protected us through their service to our country.

“They are trained soldiers, servicemen and women and we need to back them and help them as much as we can when they come out of the forces.

“For 20 years, they’ve probably been living to a routine, being told what to do and where to go.

“When you’re used to that kind of routine, it’s hard coming out and having to do everything yourself.

“But they are experts in guarding and protecting places – getting them back into work and giving them the opportunity to use those skills gives us a reward, too.

“It’s a way of giving back that’s of added benefit to them and to our clients, who know they’re getting quality.”

Sparta Security’s open day is open to all and will give visitors to Newton Aycliffe’s Incubation Centre the chance to learn more about the opportunities available at the firm, which range from roles in the admin department to positions on Sparta’s task force.

It will take place from 8am until 10am on Friday, October 19.

For more information, visit spartasecurityuk.co.uk.