A DEDICATED crime fighter who has clocked up 11-years of tackling criminals has won a prestigious police award.

Harold Wilsher, of Billy Row, near Crook, has been put forward for a Durham Police Authority Community Award.

The 69-year-old Billy Row Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator cannot attend the awards ceremony and his wife Mary is to go instead.

His crime busting began when crooks broke into the home of his daughter and son-in-law when they were on honeymoon.

Alison and Ian Armstrong lived in Consett at the time and Mr Wilsher decided to act to prevent a repeat.

He said: "When the break-in happened I said then I would try to do something to help people so it would not happen again.

"I just decided that that was what I wanted to do to try to help people in the village.

"I am very proud to get the award. It’s brilliant to receive it and it’s nice to think that other people believe that we are worth it."

Mr Wilsher was presented with The Northern Echo’s Neighbour From Heaven award in 2005.

He was also awarded the Community Spirit Award by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority in 2009.