A BURNLEY woman who took a stand against yobs in her neighbourhood has won a top national award.

Christine Stuttard, a police volunteer in Briercliffe, has been named as a winner of a Taking A Stand Award.

The awards celebrate the courage of local people who have taken a stand against anti-social behaviour in their communities.

Christine was one of 271 winners of the award nationwide.

In the last two years Christine has become a police volunteer and co-ordinator for the Community Roadwatch scheme within Briercliffe helping to tackle police and community together priorities such as speeding motorists.

More recently she set up and now manages the Harle Syke Shop Watch, a scheme designed to tackle anti-social behaviour outside the shops in Briercliffe.

The Spar store, Burnley Road, Briercliffe, has been particularly badly affected by juvenile crime in the past few years.

As part of the Harle Syke Shop Watch, Christine has arranged for all shops on the scheme to have walkie talkies which can be used to contact each other as well as the local police officer and PCSO, and is actively seeking funding to install a CCTV system to cover the shops in Briercliffe.

Christine said: "It is a great honour to receive this award and to attend the awards ceremony in Birmingham.

"There are a great many people nationwide who are doing great things to combat anti-social behaviour, and I am proud to be one of those recognised in this way.

"The £1,000 prize will go towards the installation of a CCTV system around the shops to help combat crime and anti-social behaviour."

Briercliffe Community Beat Manager PC Ian Thompson who nominated Christine for the award, said: "Christine truly deserves this award as she has taken a stand to combat anti-social behaviour within Briercliffe and to rekindle a sense of community spirit.

"She puts neighbour back into neighbourhood and is an example to all."

Christine attended the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Thursday where she was presented with the award by Louise Casey, the Government's Co-ordinator for Respect.