PEOPLE or groups in Wyre Forest who have stood up to anti-social behaviour can be nominated for awards recognising how they have helped improve their communities.

The national Home Office Taking a Stand awards, to be presented by the charity, Crime Concern, are being backed by West Mercia Constabulary.

Activities that could qualify for recognition range from litter clear-ups to giving evidence in court that has helped secure an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

Prizes of £1,000 will be given to 100 winners to help them do more to tackle anti-social behaviour in the future.

The winners will be invited to an awards ceremony in London.

West Mercia, which covers Wyre Forest, is one of the most successful forces in the country for securing ASBOs, with more than 100 now in place.

Acting Insp Mark Smith, of the force's crime and disorder team, said: "ASBOs can be highly effective when used in conjunction with other approaches.

"If we can prevent someone's behaviour from escalating to this point that is always the best solution."

Entries for the Taking a Stand awards must be submitted by Tuesday, September 28.

More information on the awards is available at www.takingastand.org or on the freephone helpline, 0800 0852 980.