A DEDICATED street warden in Bolton has won an award for her work. Susan Taylor was triumphant in the youth category in the North-west Wardens of the Year award for her role in setting up the Long Lane Partnership Warden Scheme in Breightmet.

The scheme, which started in April, enabled more than 50 young people to become involved in community work that included clean-ups, bulb planting, creative projects and days out.

Susan said: "The scheme has made such a difference to the youngsters and the local community in general. The area has become a lot cleaner because of the regular litter clean-ups and this is all down to the kids. It has been nice to be recognised for all our hard work."

She said winning the award had been a team effort and she praised the parts played by her fellow wardens Steven Porter and Paul Crompton.

Susan received the award from Regeneration Minister, Tony McNulty.

He said: "Wardens act beyond the call of duty to ensure their work makes a difference each day. Wardens are helping residents reclaim their streets and are making neighbourhoods better places to live and work for everyone."

Susan was one of only three wardens across the whole of the North-west to be picked out. The others were from a project in Sale, near Manchester.

More than 1,100 wardens patrol neighbourhoods around the country.

are playing a key part in the Government's 10 to 20 year strategy to narrow the gap between the most deprived communities and the rest of the country.

John Denham, Minister for Policing, crime reduction and community safety, said: "I warmly congratulate the award winners. Not only have they demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment, but together they are teaching us something significant; Wardens make a difference.

"Their work to share crime prevention advice, reassure residents or tackle problems like graffiti is really helping to build better local relationships, strengthen community spirit and create confident neighbourhoods. Their achievements are something for us all to be proud of."