A GROUP of community crime-fighters from Suffolk have been honoured with national awards for their efforts in making the county a safer place.Eleven gongs were handed out to the winners during a Neighbourhood Watch Awards Ceremony held in Stowmarket yesterday.

A GROUP of community crime-fighters from Suffolk have been honoured with national awards for their efforts in making the county a safer place.

Eleven gongs were handed out to the winners during a Neighbourhood Watch Awards Ceremony held in Stowmarket yesterday.

Among those picking up an award were the Needham-based Kids Who Care Club, who scooped the prestigious Highly Commended prize in the young persons category.

The group of youngsters, which has been running since May 2001, works with Needham Neighbourhood Watch to improve community safety.

Others winning commendations were; Jenny Straughier (Outstanding Achievement), John Taylor (Outstanding Achievement), Gordon and Linda Freeman (Rural), Kenneth Stockton (Rural) and Norman Langridge (Rural).

Ron Snell, Mark Hitchings and Pamela Smith all won in the Co-ordinator of the Year Category while the Suffolk Neighbourhood Watch Association won prizes for Outstanding Achievement and Partnership.

Chief Supt Mick Green, Western Area police commander, who presented the awards said: "The Neighbourhood Watch Scheme plays a key role in our community.

"We are extremely proud that these recipients have been recognised by the National organisation. "The local community should also be proud of the award winners who have worked extremely hard and made a substantial commitment to improve the quality of life in the area in which they reside."