A COMMUNITY stalwart has been honoured for his dedicated work on behalf of a Hartlepool neighbourhood.

Morris Nelson, 61, who lives in the Dyke House area of the town, works tirelessly to help support people and tackle their problems.

Now his efforts have been recognised by members of Communities Acting Together (Cat), an umbrella organisation representing several residents associations. They sprung a surprise on him yesterday by presenting him with a silver salver and a pen.

CAT spokeswoman Muriel Boreland said: "He can be sitting at home when someone rings with a problem and you can be sure he will drop everything. He is 100 per cent dedicated to the area and the people living there."

Eddie Price, resident participation officer with Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "Morris has been ill in hospital recently, but he still wanted me to brief him on what was going on in the area.

"For me, Morris is one of the pillars of this community. He is supportive, reliable and always there for people who might need help. He richly deserves this award which aims to show just how much the community appreciates his hard work."

Mr Nelson, who is a member of the Dyke House Residents' Association, received his award from Cath Purdy, the chief executive of Housing Hartlepool, the new organisation that is to shortly take over the running of the town's council housing.

Mr Nelson said: "This is fantastic and something I'm really proud of. I will certainly never forget today. However, it isn't just about me but all the other people who are putting in so much effort in the community. It is a real team effort."