A COMMUNITY group from north Durham has won a national award for tackling anti-social behaviour.

Consett South Community Safety Forum is being given a Respect Award for its Taking a Stand initiative.

Members of the group will receive the award from Louise Casey, Government co-ordinator for the Respect campaign, and a cheque for £1,000 in Birmingham on Thursday.

David Johnson, community safety worker for Derwentside Rural Crime Initiative and group chairman, said: "Anti-social behaviour can be a complex issue and solutions are not always straightforward.

"This group has shown great courage and determination in combating real problems.

"They are a fantastic example of how local people can contribute to reducing crime and disorder within their own community."

The group formed in June last year to reduce crime and yobbish behaviour.

Members meet twice a month, and host talks by guests such as police officers, Derwentside District Council's anti-social behaviour team and local youth agencies.

It has organised a community action involving 15 agencies and 70 schoolchildren to tidy up sites notorious for fly-tipping and clear overgrown areas.

Members have also tried to find a safe, legal and insured site for motorcycling, to offer youngsters an alternative to riding them illegally in the town.

The award nomination was supported by Sergeant Peter Dawson at Consett Police.

Mr Johnson said: "We have young people represented on the group who are keen to stand up for other young people in the area. However, they are keen to work on initiatives to divert the minority of young people from causing or getting in to trouble.

"One initiative devised by a young forum member was to highlight and pinpoint areas where under-18s are drinking alcohol.

"This information will prove useful to a number of agencies working in the area, including youth workers who can target areas to encourage young peopleto get involved with better use of their time."