A PENSIONER who was the driving force behind the dramatic change in fortunes of a North-East estate has been awarded the MBE for his dedication.

Royal recognition of his tireless efforts to revive the Firthmoor area of Darlington has capped a remarkable time for Bill Cook, who has lived there for 43 years.

The 73-year-old, who is chairman of Firthmoor Community Partnership Board and vice-chairman of the community centre, was instrumental in the estate securing millions of pounds of regeneration cash.

And that money has been crucial in transforming an area which, during the 1990s in particular, was blighted by crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Cook began volunteering in Firthmoor about 15 years ago and began going through the arduous process of applying for Government funding in 1998.

He was chairman of Firthmoor Residents' Panel for many years and secretary of Firthmoor and District Community Association.

His determination to secure grant aid eventually paid dividends, with funds pouring in from the Single Regeneration Budget, National Lottery and other sources.

And the fruits of the labours of Mr Cook and a band of other volunteers are now being seen.

A £1.3m community centre, new housing development and £2m primary schools are key symbols of the regeneration, with more on the horizon.

Ever modest, Mr Cook - Darlington's Citizen of the Year in 2001 - paid tribute to his fellow community workers after being told of his MBE.

"It rocked me when I was told. I thought somebody was taking the mickey at first, so I rang the number back just to check," he said.

"My first reaction was one of complete shock, but it's a great honour and one which is really for the whole of the voluntary sector on Firthmoor.

"There was only about six of us when we started out, but we've come so far. I share it with them willingly."

Mr Cook took a back seat from public life due to ill health last February, but later returned with the same desire to enhance the local community.

"The work goes on. We have got to make sure all the projects continue once we have finished with the money," he said.

Darlington Borough Council leader John Williams said: "It's a well deserved award for a man who has given so much to his community."