As well as working in the community for Sanctuary, Alec is chair of the Preston Park and Five Ways Local Action Team and has been instrumental in leading community efforts to deal with antisocial behaviour caused by large groups of youths gathering in the area. The introduction of several dispersal orders has been effective, helping residents feel safer and the orders are now no longer needed.

Alec said: “This award is not only for me, it is for everyone that has worked within the community. It demonstrates the good work that Sanctuary and all our partners do and the Respect Agenda is proof that we have resident involvement and interaction in the area.”

By working closely with the police, Brighton and Hove City Council, local schools and residents, the action team have tackled concerns and built a strong sense of community in Preston Park.

Alec is currently leading a project on behalf of Sanctuary to carry out a survey of 3,000 youngsters from Brighton’s schools and university to find out what facilities they would like to see in the community.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s antisocial behaviour coordinator Aaron Devereaux said: “Local people like Alec are at the heart of all the antisocial behaviour work that is going on in the city and it is the commitment of local communities that is helping to make a real difference. We are delighted that Alec is receiving national recognition for his work. I t is a real partnership with everyone working together to bring results.”

Mo Pullen, scheme manager for Clare Walk in Brighton, received a highly commended certificate for her work tackling antisocial behaviour at the sheltered housing scheme. She worked closely with the council's antisocial behaviour team and the police for a positive outcome.