NEWTON Abbot's award-winning CCTV network has been saved by a newly-formed community group.

The Newton Abbot Security Trust is now operating the crime-busting initiative after Teignbridge Council decided to pull the plug on its £40,000 funding.

The decision sparked criticism and a petition to save the system gathered 1,200 signatures in just three hours.

Now the not-for-profit trust will run the 50-camera network, operating seven days a week between 8.30am and 6pm.

Organisers are also keen to expand the system and want to take on a part time operator.