REDUCING the city's crime levels and making the community safer was the focus of a special event at the Plymouth Pavilions.

More than 2,000 attended the Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) event last night including representatives from the police, fire and rescue services, probation services, the local authority, faith groups and voluntary agencies.

During the evening there was a selection of live entertainment and inspiring stories of community action as well as the opportunity for residents to speak with community groups and services.

Debra Green, the National Director of ROC, said, "We've done this event in other cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham ,but we have never taken one regional. What has happened tonight is really exciting.

"People have heard stories about how they can be more involved in the community, looking at reducing crime and cleaning communities up.

"As a result of this groups are going to go back to other towns and cities and aim to make them better."

Among the acts was local Britain's Got Talent finalist, Michael Collings and the Gaffers Gorge and Gaffers Choir.

It was held as a concerted effort to make communities safer places to live.

Dave Martin, event co-ordinator, said: "It was exciting to see so much enthusiasm from groups of all kinds working together to improve their communities."

Chief Superintendent of Devon, Steve Swani, added: "We know that communities that are socially and economically vibrant don't have low employment levels or high crime figures – they look after themselves. There are lots of social events for people to get involved with. And in our work as police officers we come across the great work and individuals that are making our communities safer."