MIDDLESBROUGH'S street wardens have received a top Government standard, in what will be seen as further support for Mayor Ray Mallon's tough approach to fighting crime in the town.

The workers have been granted the Warden Quality Standard, a national award from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The warden service had to achieve a high level of performance in several key areas to win the award.

Middlesbrough's wardens were given a distinction following the assessment.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community safety and leisure, said: "Our street wardens are in the front line of efforts to make our town a safer place. They assist in about 1,000 incidents every month and are an integral part of the community safety network.

"They help every day to raise hope and reduce fear, and the letters of thanks they receive on a near-daily basis is ample proof of the support they have from the community."

The latest achievement will be seen as a victory for Mr Mallon, who introduced the street warden scheme when he was elected four years ago.

Dubbed "Robocop" for his no-nonsense approach to fighting crime when he was a police officer, Mr Mallon recruited a security force of 70 street wardens, following his landslide win.

The scheme has since been adopted in a number of neighbouring authorities.

Coun Coppinger said: "Everyone who comes into contact with the warden service knows it is a quality service, and this award is testimony to that and to the hard work and dedication at every level of the service."