PENSIONER John Hyland received a major honour this week to mark his fearless campaign against a neighbour from hell.

Mr Hyland, aged 63, from Mayfield Road, Biddulph, suffered more than four years of intimidation and abuse from mother of five Anne-Marie Doolan.

He helped police and Moorlands council officers to compile a dossier of evidence against Doolan, aged 39, who lived two doors away.

The evidence resulted in Doolan being banned from her home town of Biddulph for life under an anti-social behaviour order.

My Hyland travelled to London on Wednesday to receive a Taking A Stand award and £1,000 to tackle anti-social behaviour in his community.

He received the award at a showcase ceremony featuring Home Office Minister Hazel Blears, MPs and BBC Crimewatch presenter Fiona Bruce.

"I am pleased to win the award, but couldn't have done what I did without the support of the police, the district council and Moorlands Housing," said Mr Hyland.

"I couldn't have survived without the help of PC Paul Davis, who gave me tremendous support.

"There were a few times I was near breaking point but he helped me get through it and deserves a medal, not me.

"It is only now we can sit back and take stock of the impact Doolan has had on our lives.

"I have since suffered a stroke and my wife still wants to move away from the area."

Mr Hyland is looking at ways he can spend the £1,000 on projects to help his community.