TWO neighbours who took on a drug-dealing yob who was blighting their lives - and won - have received awards for their efforts.

Lillian Wignall and Sandra Wyatt were petrified when the junkie was moved into their block of flats in Halliwell.

His home soon became a magnet for drug users and the man would have violent rows with his wife.

During one incident, dealers came and smashed every window at his flat on Somerville Square.

After the couple were warned about their behaviour, they banged on the doors of Mrs Wignall, aged 72, and Miss Wyatt, aged 51, and threatened them.

But rather than cower in fear, the pair spearheaded a campaign to have the man evicted.

After being advised by Bolton At Home, they kept a diary of every argument, late-night drug deals and threat between January, 2006, when the man moved in, and last December, when he was finally kicked out.

The pair were given awards along with 17 other people from across the North-west as part of the Government's Respect initiative which is aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour.

Mrs Wignall said: "What we went through was dreadful but rather than staying inside and complaining we got our heads together and thought about what we could do.

"I'm delighted that he's gone but I can't believe how long it took.

"Bolton At Home should be able to use their powers more quickly because this man was a nightmare.

"My advice to anybody who is suffering the same as we did is to persevere and not let them win.

"He's gone but both myself and Sandra are on edge all the time; we just keep expecting the noise to start all over again."

Retired Mrs Wignall said residents had now formed a group to represent the area.

Miss Wyatt added: "It was horrendous, but this shows that if you persevere you can get things done and it has brought all the residents closer together."

Other winners included Alan Roberts, of The Crescent, Westhoughton, and Herbert Grace from Little Lever.

Home Secretary John Reid said: "I am heartened that everyday more and more members of the public are working with the police and local councils right across the country to take action against anti-social behaviour and stand up for the rights of the law-abiding majority."