You can nominate your local heroes

The RESPECT Gateshead awards will go to members of the borough whose job isn't to tackle negative and anti-social behaviour, but who have taken time out to address those issues in their community. 

Members of the public are being asked to nominate people in their neighbourhood who they feel deserve to be recognised for their heroic actions. 

Forms can be requested by contacting David Patterson at Gateshead Council on 0191 433 2807 or davidpatterson@gateshead.gov.uk, and nominations must be made by Friday, 18 February 2011.  

Councillor Peter Mole, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "This award is a really important way that we can recognise the people who make such positive changes to our communities.

"We'd really like to hear about people who've made a stand against negative behaviour.

"From those who have organised clean ups or set up residents' associations, to those who have acted as a witness in court or turned their life around to creative positive change in their community after behaving anti-socially themselves."

The Gateshead Housing Company's Chief Executive, Bill Fullen, said: "We are committed to working with Gateshead Council, Northumbria Police and local residents to reduce anti-social behaviour across the borough.

"We are delighted to be supporting these awards to recognise the efforts of local people to improve their estates, neighbourhoods and the whole of Gateshead by taking a stand against such behaviour."

Temporary Chief Inspector Scott Hall of Gateshead Area Command said: "These awards are an excellent way to acknowledge members of the community who have gone out of their way to prevent anti-social behaviour in our communities.

"We need their involvement and the awards will help to promote their good work and positive results in tackling this important issue.

"Northumbria Police will continue to work alongside our partners to ensure that Gateshead not only remains a safe place to live, but that people feel safe here."

The RESPECT Gateshead awards will be held at Gateshead Civic Centre in March and awards will be given out by Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Michael Hood. 

These awards form part of a nationwide effort to encourage people to work together to take a stand against anti-social behaviour in their community.