TRANSFORMATION work on a former haunt of drug dealers and prostitutes has won an accolade from the Government.

Glebe Park, Middlesbrough, which once a no-go area for families, has been cleared of overhanging trees and bushes which screened wrongdoers from view.

Children were barred by parents from the Victorian park, which even adults were reluctant to enter in daylight.

Once littered with used hypodermic needles, the area - overlooked by three streets - has been flattened and resurfaced, old vegetation removed to ensure good visibility, new play equipment and seating installed, and fresh trees planted.

Regeneration Minister Yvette Cooper said: "Projects such as Glebe Park have had a big impact on the local community.

"We want to see more innovative approaches like these across the country."

Praising the ground breaking work carried out at Middlesbrough, Ms Cooper said: "Now, we want to sponsor innovative projects to reclaim our parks and community spaces for everyone to enjoy."

Nearly 30 programmes to tackle the state of parks and public spaces across Englandare to be announced in the autumn at a cost of £89m.

Much of the spadework at Middlesbrough was carried out by unemployed people through a training initiative.

An artist worked with schoolchildren to design decorative railings and gateways and bollards to prevent vehicle access.

Chris Watson, of the charity Groundwork, which managed the Glebe project, said everyone was delighted with the praise.

"We are extremely pleased that the work is being held up as an example of good practice, but it was a scheme driven by the residents.

"Our staff asked them what they wanted from the park."

Ward councillor Ken Walker, who lived opposite the park for 20 years, said: "When I was leader of the council, we looked at areas such as Gresham, which is 99.9 per cent terraced housing with, sadly, all the kinds of problems you get with drugs, anti-social behaviour and prostitution - with nowhere for young children which was really safe.

"While accepting we still have lots of problems, the pleasure I have is to see young people enjoying the facilities and seeing young mothers taking their children to what is a good and safe environment.

"It is a tremendous boost for people living in the immediate area."