A TEAM of campaigners has won an award for its work cleaning up a community's streets.

The social workers of Barnardo's SECOS (Sexually Exploited Children On the Streets) project, in Middlesbrough, offer hope to teenagers forced into prostitution.

In four years on Teesside, the SECOS team has helped more than 40 young women and girls out of a life of prostitution and into new lifestyles.

The service, which provides counselling, advice and support to the youngsters, has won a Queen's Award for voluntary service.

It is one of 110 organisations to win an award across the UK this year, out of 1,200 nominations.

All winners were nominated by groups or members of the public who have benefited from their work or seen the positive effect on community life.

Winning groups receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a commemorative piece of crystal for display at their main place of operation.

The awards are presented on behalf of the Queen by the local Lord-Lieutenant and winning groups are entitled to use a logo on documents.

Wendy Shepherd, SECOS children's services manager, will be going to St James' Palace on July 19 for a ceremony at which the Queen will be present to honour the winners.

The actual award will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant at a future date.

She said: "This is a great honour for SECOS, for Barnardo's and for all the service's staff and volunteers.

"It is particularly gratifying as this award is something you can't apply for. Another group or individual with whom you've worked has to nominate you."