SUNDERLAND Council has praised residents for the war-time spirit they demonstrated during this week's bomb alert.

Director of development and regeneration Phil Barrett said the emergency had been a real example of community spirit and teamwork.

He reserved special praise for the residents of Hendon, whose lives were turned upside down when they were forced to leave their homes on Monday night.

Nearly 600 residents spent two nights in emergency accommodation set up by the council in Southmoor and Thornhill Secondary Schools and at the Puma Tennis Centre in Silksworth.

He said: "The residents of Hendon deserve particular praise for the way they coped with the situation.

"The community sprit and camaraderie, particularly at the accommodation centres, was a sight to behold and I'd like to thank them for all their patience and fortitude in the face of a major upheaval to their lives."

He also paid tribute to the army bomb disposal team, emergency services, council staff and voluntary and community groups for the part they played. Local businesses including Asda, Baker's Oven and Greggs had also sprung into action, offering cakes and other items.

Throughout the crisis, 6,000 main meals were served, 16,000 teas and coffees, 7,000 cups of juice for children and 10,000 cakes and biscuits.

At the three accommodation centres, council staffed helped distribute 576 bars of soap and 70 toothbrushes.

For those residents who had evacuated their homes without any spare clothing, staff stepped in with spare jogging trousers, T-shirts and even Barbie knickers and Action Man underpants.