A COURAGEOUS Crewe woman has been honoured by the Home Secretary for her efforts to tackle nuisance neighbours who made life hell for families on a Crewe estate.

Karen Lockett, 38, was invited to a special ceremony in London last week to receive a RAFTA award - Respect Award For Taking A Stand - and a cheque for £1,000 from Home Secretary John Reid and the Government's Co-ordinator for Respect, Louise Casey.

The event, at the Horticultural Halls, was to recognise individuals who have displayed the courage to deal with vandals, thugs and nuisance neighbours.

Karen, who was nominated by Wulvern Housing officer Mandy Seale, collected and gave evidence in court against her former neighbours, Tracey and Mark Lewis. They had terrorised families in Pyrus Avenue, Crewe, until they were evicted with the help of testimonies from Karen and husband Tim, 30.

Karen, whose family moved before giving evidence, said she was delighted to win the award.

'My housing officer rang me up to see if I would mind her nominating me for the RAFTA. Two weeks ago I got a letter inviting me to the ceremony in London.

'Mandy said she had nominated me because we won our case when we went to court last year to get a possession order against the Lewises.'

The mum-of-three said one of the highlights of the ceremony, which recognised 271 winners out of more than 700 nominations, was meeting Home Secretary John Reid in the flesh.

She said she will use the £1,000 award to help set up a trust for victims of anti-social behaviour.

'I felt very isolated and no-one else had the courage to deal with them, so it's nice to get a bit of recognition,' she added.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Reid said Karen was playing a vital role in creating a more respectful and safer society. He added: 'I'm heartened that every day more and more members of the public are working with the police and local communities to take action.

'These awards celebrate their bravery, courage and deter mination.'

Government Respect co-ordinator Louise Casey congratulated Karen for her work with the police and local authorities.

She added: 'Karen and the other winners have proved, yet again, that determined members of the public are the most effective weapon in tackling, not tolerating, antisocial behaviour.'