BRAVE Bromsgrove folk who have stood up to anti-social behaviour could be honoured in an awards scheme.

Police and council officers in Bromsgrove have joined forces with the town's community safety partnership to promote the Taking A Stand awards 2005.

The awards, which come with £1,000 prize money, reward people who have said no to anti-social behaviour. It is part of the Government's Together campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The award is designed to encourage more people to work together to put an end to anti-social problems such as intimidation, harassment, threats, vandalism, nuisance neighbours, graffiti and rubbish dumping.

Last year the winner from Bromsgrove was George Verney, who was instrumental in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Stoke Heath.

This has significantly reduced levels of anti-social behaviour and crime in that area.

PC Andy Holliday, from West Mercia police's north Worcestershire division, said in Bromsgrove they had worked with partner agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour by using options available to them under new legislation, including ASBOs.

He added: "However, we feel it is important to encourage people to stand up and take action against any unacceptable behaviour which affects the quality of their day-to-day life. We feel that the Taking A Stand awards are ideal for rewarding their commitment, energy and courage in doing so."

To nominate a person for the award contact PC Andy Holliday on 08547 444888 or email him on andrew.holliday@westmercia.pnn.police.uk or Graham Rocke on 01527 881486 or g.rocke@bromsgrove.gov.uk

Winners will be invited to an awards ceremony where they will receive their prize, which can be spent on making an improvement in their local area.