A PENSIONER who led a campaign to help rid her village of a gang of drug dealers travelled to London to receive an award recognising her tireless efforts.

Anne Blewitt, who is chairman of the Community Enterprise Group in Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street, received a Taking a Stand award, from the Home Office's anti-social behaviour unit.

The award comes as preparations are made to open a new community centre this Friday.

Miss Blewitt, who demanded police action to tackle drug dealers, said: "I am proud to be getting the award. I will be accepting it on behalf of the community which has stood together."

The problem began 18 months ago when empty properties in the area were occupied by problem tenants and the village became a magnet for drug users and dealers.

Miss Blewitt, 62, who used to work in a cable-making factory in Birtley, said: "When the drug dealers were here life was terrible. I had armed sieges outside my back gate and you couldn't leave your door unlocked for a minute.

"Parents were reluctant to let their children play outside in case they picked up discarded needles.

"It got so bad we decided enough was enough and called a public meeting to demand action."

Police mounted an intensive operation - codenamed Yacca - over several months. In March this year, dozens of officers sealed off the village, raided homes and arrested 18 people.

Miss Blewitt said: "Now the problem has been tackled the place is a pleasure to live in once again."

A string of measures have either been put in place or are on the way.

These include Home Office funding for an accreditation officer to work with landlords to improve vetting and letting practices, and anti-social behaviour orders against persistent troublemakers.

An accompanying cash prize of £1,000 goes to the enterprise group, which hopes to use the money as a way of attracting funding to set up a skateboard park or other activity for young people.

Miss Blewitt and fellow committee members are also in line for the Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service.

The 15 members of the group have been nominated by Chester-le-Street's community police inspector, Dave Marshall.