MEET a Bolton burglar's number one enemy. For PC Owen Hughes has just been honoured for his work in securing a huge government grant to combat house-breakers in the town.

Last week the Astley Bridge bobby was awarded the Matt Dyson Trophy in recognition of the enthusiasm and dedication he has shown to his job in the last 12 months.

During that time PC Hughes, along with council input, helped to prepare a successful bid to the Home Office for £174,000 to help reduce domestic burglary in the Tonge Moor area.

The 48-year-old officer, who joined the force in 1974, is now helping to train colleagues in new schemes which have been developed after the cash was handed over in July.

But the modest officer has played down his important role in the fight against crime.

He said: "The hard work is being done by the front line officers who are responding to calls from the public. It's a team effort.

"I learned about the award six weeks ago. I'm getting to the end of my service so this is a great honour for me and my family."

Probation services and youth services are now heavily involved in the Tonge Moor scheme to reduce house break-ins and police chiefs have praised PC Hughes' work in the scheme.

Chief Supt Mel Pelham, divisional commander for Bolton, said: "Constable Hughes is a model police officer whose dedication and desire to help people goes above and beyond the call of duty.

"Not only is he an excellent police officer but in his spare time he is involved in a great deal of voluntary work. Overall he is a very worthy recipient of the Matt Dyson Trophy."

As part of his voluntary work PC Hughes has helped Bolton Lads and Girls Club members take youngsters on a week's holiday to a Butlins camp.

The Matt Dyson Trophy was donated to the Bolton division by his mother Doreen Ingram after the officer, who served on the Astley Bridge sub-division from 1988 to 1990, died suddenly after a short illness.

It is presented annually to an officer on the division who has shown dedication to duty during the last 12 months.