CRIMEFIGHTING campaigners are set to mark 10 years of battling the rogues.

It is a decade since Greater Manchester Crimestoppers was created during which time nearly £10 million pounds worth of goods have been recovered.

For the last three years the region has topped the national arrest rates made through anonymous calls to the charity's 0800 555111 hot-line.

In 1999, it was responsible for 752 arrests and recovered property worth more than £1.5 million, including stolen goods, drugs and firearms.

Sue Arden, regional manager for Greater Manchester Crimestoppers, said: "We have a great deal to celebrate, as over the last 10 years we have had a lot of success.

"At the end of 1999 we had recovered £8 million worth of goods and we are on target to make that £10 million by the end of the year."

And to celebrate the 10th anniversary a special fund-raising gala dinner has been arranged on Saturday, October 14, at the Palace Hotel, Oxford Road, Manchester.

The event will be hosted by Granada presenter So Rahman and guest speakers will include Coronation Street star Bill Roache and GMP Chief Constable David Wilmot.

Anyone wanting tickets -- which cost £50 each or £500 for a table of 10 -- should contact Sue Arden on 0161 228 7781.