A HARDWORKING woman has scooped a top national award for tackling anti-social behaviour in Charford and Sidemoor.

Debbie Roberts, chief officer at the Multi Agency Resource Centre, in Humphrey Avenue, is one of six West Midlands winners of the Home Office's Taking A Stand award. She was due to collect her prize, which includes £1,000 for the centre, yesterday (Tuesday) in London.

Debbie was nominated for the award by Bromsgrove's Community Safety Partnership.

Community safety manager Graham Rocke said: "Debbie is the engine behind the centre and all the great work it does. She works tirelessly and she is always there for people.

"We thought she deserved recognition herself for all her work for the community."

Graham said Debbie was also on hand to help out and if she couldn't help people herself, she always knew of those who could.

He added: "She is inspirational."

Debbie said she was surprised and shocked to receive the award.

"It is really excellent news and I'm really excited by it," she said.

The Multi Agency Resource Centre works with members of the community to provide locally based support and outreach services.

Residents can access support and information from a range of outreach workers from the voluntary and statutory sectors from family planning to the police.

There is also a children's centre which offers a breakfast club, stay and play sessions and a before and after school club. The group also helps alcohol and drug abusers and runs groups for youngsters in Charford and Sidemoor to make them better citizens.