WHEN landlords Sandy and Chris Shakespeare took over a Southamp-ton pub five years ago, people were afraid to walk the streets at night.

Regulars at The Dolphin pub in St Denys continually complained to the couple that the area was overrun with drug dealers, prostitutes and gangs of children roaming the streets with weapons.

That was all the motivation the pair needed to stand up to the antisocial behaviour and turn the streets into a safer place.

Now they have won a major government award for their stand against crime in the area.

Sandy, 55, said: "When we first took over the pub it was horrendous here. Youths were throwing bricks at people and there were loads of muggings.

"As soon as we got here my husband told the regulars to phone us if they had any trouble because a lot of them said they were frightened to walk the streets at night."

The couple started an incident book and encouraged regulars to record any antisocial behaviour they witnessed in the area.

Community patrol officers would regularly check the incident book and pass on useful information to the police.

Sandy added: "We have been threatened many times with threats to our family or being told our pub will be burned down.

"But something had to be done as everybody should have the right to live their life in safety.

"I tend to go out and shout at people in the car park who are causing a nuisance to let them know that they are not above the law."

The couple received the honour at the Respect Awards ceremony in Birmingham after being nominated by Jane Mielniczek, an anti-social behaviour officer at Southampton City Council.

Sandy added: "We did not even know we were nominated until we got a call from the Home Office, at which point I told them I didn't do it'!"

The couple were awarded £1,000 to help combat antisocial behaviour, which they have given to council officers to use.

Nearly 600 nominations were received from individuals and community groups across England and Wales and 370 winners were chosen.

Louise Casey, the government's co-ordinator for its Respect agenda, said: "These are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things, turning the fear and intimidation caused by antisocial behaviour into the strength to tackle it. They are an inspiration."

A council spokeswoman said: "Mr and Mrs Shakespeare have taken a real lead in their community in the face of very real problems. Their commitment has improved their neighbourhood."