A BOLTON family once dubbed neighbours from hell have told a leader of the Government's Respect campaign how they turned their lives around.

Matt Collins, assistant director of the Government's Respect Task Force, yesterday visited Bolton and met Karen Withington, whose family was helped by a project in Bolton that is being hailed as a flagship for the rest of the country.

Mother-of-eight Mrs Withington and her children made life a misery for neighbours in Netherfield Road, Great Lever.

Mrs Withington, aged 45, said problems stemmed from the behaviour of two of five children still at home, Thomas, now aged 11, and Shane, aged 10.

Mrs Withington, who was addicted to cannabis at the time, admits she did not deal with the problems as she and her husband struggled with depression.

"They were swearing at the neighbours and throwing stones at their doors, but I think the cannabis affected my judgment and I was sticking up for them," she said.

Two-and-a-half years ago, the family were referred to children's charity NCH's Bolton Families Project.

Mrs Withington says she was "sceptical" after being referred to the project but after she stopped her cannabis use the situation began to improve.

The family initially received support in their own home but moved to one of the centre's flats for six months after being repeatedly targeted in vandal attacks. They then moved to a project-controlled property in Romiley Crescent, Breightmet.

Following the family's improvement, the property is due to be signed over to them later this month with the promise of more support if it is needed.

Mrs Withington said: "They do wonders at this project. They don't nag you to do things but are there to advise you and help you."

Following the success of the Bolton Families Project - created in 2002 after Bolton Council asked for help in dealing with problem families - the Government wants to launch 53 similar initiatives across the country.

The project offers support and advice to householders threatened with eviction.

Help is given in their own homes and at the project centre in Breightmet.

Staff advise families on issues like getting up in the morning and ensuring their children get to school on time, rewards and punishments for good and bad behaviour, interaction with neighbours and keeping their homes and gardens tidy. There are currently 18 families receiving the centre's help in Bolton.

Mr Collins said: "Bolton is one of the pioneering projects in England and we have borrowed with pride some of your expertise to help set up projects in different parts of the country."