Police and councillors have joined forces to provide ten phone alarm systems for victims and potential victims of crime.

The alarms are fitted to telephones in the home and users can use them to call for help in an emergency.

Adur District Council is extending its community alarm scheme to include those who feel vulnerable and threatened at home.

Up to now, it has only been available for older people and people with disabilities.

Police are funding the alarms and the first ten weeks will be free.

Following this period, a small charge for the service may be made, which will vary according to circumstances.

To get help, the user presses either the red button on their phone or on an alarm pendant which can be worn all the time.

The call is registered with a control centre in Chichester and the police are alerted immediately.

Community services chairman Paul Graysmark said: "We have had a number of inquires from people asking if they could have an alarm unit because they felt threatened.

"We are really pleased to be able to offer this assistance."