A PROJECT pioneered by a policeman killed in a road accident has missed out on the top spot in a national community safety awards scheme.

But the much-needed hard work of The Paulhan Street Estate Project will continue.

The project -- covering 15 roads surrounding the Paulhan Street area of Great Lever -- works to tackle crime, offer training and education advice for youngsters and work to renovate run-down homes and streets.

It was pioneered by popular father-of-four Sgt Mick Bradford, aged 44, a community beat officer who was killed when his motorbike collided with a car on a winding country bypass in Lancashire in June 2001. Sgt Bradford, an officer for 23 years, spent 10 years in Bolton and served in Great Lever, where he built up a strong relationship with local youths and helped secure the area Government cash aid.

He was the force behind the Paulhan Street Estate Project -- a regeneration blueprint focusing on partnerships between the council, police and health authority -- but died days before the Government awarded the area a £2.6 million cash injection.

However, the scheme was among 30 shortlisted in the British Community Safety Awards from 300 across the country.

The winning projects were those in Brent, Lancashire, Stonebridge in north London, Stanfield and Cynon Valley in Wales.

The five winning schemes are to be awarded training opportunities and trophies. Sadly, Bolton's entry missed out, but has been praised by organisers.

Marks and Spencer Retail Director Barry Stevenson said: "We are delighted with the success of this year's awards.

"Everyone who takes part in and benefits from community safety schemes is a winner."

The winning projects were those in Brent, Lancashire, Stonebridge in north London, Stanfield and Cynon Valley in Wales.