RESIDENTS of a north Durham village, who banded together to tackle anti-social behaviour on a council estate, are celebrating the award of a national prize.

Members of the Lilac House Tenants and Residents' Association in Sacriston, will be presented with the Take a Stand award from the Home Office.

The accolade is in recognition of their positive work with Chester-le-Street District Council and police to address anti- social behaviour in Holly Crescent Estate, Sacriston.

Representatives of the association, including chairwoman Janette Loan, will travel to Birmingham on Thursday to collect their award.

Ms Loan said: "We are absolutely delighted. It makes all the hard work worthwhile when you are recognised.

"Residents formed the group in 2003 to tackle the problems we had on the estate.

"When the StreetSafe Initiative was implemented by the police and council in Sacriston, we asked the council for a house - and got one."

A six-bedroom council property was transformed. After alterations had been completed and the group had raised sufficient cash through fundraising and applying to external funders, Lilac Community House opened in February last year.

Ms Loan said: "We formed a youth club to keep the kids off the street.

"Through funding we secured from the Durham Foundation, we were able to get pool tables, televisions and video games.

"We later got Lottery cash to create a computer suite. The police said that since the youth club had been formed, there had been a noticeable drop in crime on the estate."

More than 30 young people attend the youth club on a regular basis, while the association is now also offering courses for adults.

Among the courses available are jewellery making, card making and hygiene.

A council spokesman said: "To continue the good work developed through StreetSafe, the group developed a Community Safety Estate Agreement in partnership with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP).

"The agreement was signed in October 2006, and has received high praise from the CDRP for the commitment of those involved.

"The group works tirelessly on behalf of everyone on the estate. They recently completed a very successful Womble Day, with residents and children taking part."