A PENSIONER who rallied his neighbours to fight back against serious anti-social behaviour has been honoured.

Ronnie Mason, 77, was named as a regional winner in the national Taking a Stand Awards.

Mr Mason, who lives in the Rift House area of Hartlepool, saw his community blighted by drug dealers, violence and anti-social behaviour.

Paddy Law, the enforcement manager for Housing Hartlepool, which runs council housing in the town, said Mr Mason decided to make a stand after a house was taken over by drug dealers.

He said: "It was his bravery which ultimately prompted other people to come forward and make statements."

Mr Law, who nominated Mr Mason for the award, said legal action was launched by Hartlepool Borough Council to obtain a possession order on the property.

He said: "The matter went to court, and Ronnie was, I believe, instrumental in ensuring that the witnesses we thought we would need did actually turn up. In the event, the matter was settled through a process called Orders of Court and the witnesses were not required.

"Since all this happened, there has not been any bother and the area has returned to how it used to be. That is down to Ronnie's stand and the leadership he showed."

Mr Mason's award was collected on his behalf at the London ceremony by Housing Hartlepool's Rift House manager, Lynne McPartlin, and was formally presented to him in Hartlepool yesterday.

The award also came with £1,000 to be spent tackling anti-social behaviour, and there are plans to establish a mentoring and support service for residents facing similar problems to those of Mr Mason and his neighbours.