A COMMUNITY association which has transformed its area is the latest entry in The Northern Echo's competition Making a Difference.

Now in its sixth year, and sponsored by regional development agency One NorthEast, Making a Difference honours volunteers who are improving the region's environment.

For South Bank Residents' Association, on Teesside, the difference has been as much about changing people's behaviour as transforming their surroundings.

At its heart is 82-year-old chairman Pearl Hall, who 17 years ago was villified in the community for standing up to troublemakers.

Mrs Hall moved to the area in 1986 after retiring from her job as a TGWU union shop steward at ICI Billingham, on Teesside.

Pearl and husband Ron bought a shop - Open All Hours, in Victoria Street, South Bank - but the business was plagued by rowdy teenagers.

Incidents included hurling bricks through its windows, causing trouble in the shop and abusing, and attacking, Mrs Hall and her daughter, Elizabeth.

Mrs Hall refused to give in and in 1987 helped to form a residents' association. At first, only a small number of people attended meetings but today there are at least 25, with plenty of other supporters in the community.

Activities include providing social events for pensioners and campaigning for more investment in South Bank and a reduction in the number of boarded-up properties.

The association works closely with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Cleveland Police to improve South Bank and has its own headquarters in Normanby Road.

Mrs Hall, whose husband died several years ago, said: "Things have changed. I still see some of the lads who caused the trouble. They come into the shop with their children and they are real gentlemen.

"They say: 'we know we gave you stick', but I think they realise that what they did was wrong."

Last year, the community which once rejected her voted her one of its three Labour councillors on Redcar and Cleveland council.

Mrs Hall, who stresses that she is speaking as a resident, not a councillor, said: "We have brought the community together. We have a zero tolerance attitude to anything that damages the area. I sweep the streets, for instance, and keep the community garden tidy."

Making a Difference is open to schemes in One NorthEast's area of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and the Tees Valley. Entries over the years have included everything from creating sensory gardens and restoring wildlife areas to tidying up school grounds and promoting recycling.

It is open to groups or individuals. The winner receives £500 and two-runners will receive prizes. The closing date is August 15.

If you wish to nominate your scheme, submit the form printed here with as much information as you wish, or enter on-line by e-mailing deangrissbtinternet.com and requesting an entry form.

Forms will be printed in The Northern Echo until August along with competition updates.