A BURNLEY man who set up an action group has been honoured by the police for his service to the community.

Michael Bailey, of Brunshaw Avenue, has played a major part in running various activities in the area since the Brunshaw Action Group in Burnley was set up in September, 2000.

During a preview evening at the group's new drop-in centre in Brunshaw Avenue, Mr Bailey was presented with a framed commendation by Superintendent Steve Hartley.

A police spokesman said: "From Michael helping to set the group up, there are now 700 participants who regularly get together and are involved in events in the community.

"To get this up and running is something of an achievement in itself but it's also helped to reduce things like juvenile nuisance in that area and brought back community spirit.

"The commendations are not given out often and when they are it is usually for something like when a member of the public has apprehended an offender. Michael received the commendation for his commitment to the community and working in partnership with the police."

Mr Bailey, 37, said: "I helped set up the action group but if it wasn't for the other volunteers I wouldn't have achieved the award. It was a surprise because I knew nothing about it.

"I am going to put it in the drop-in centre because it's really for everyone."

The centre. which is available for hire, was funded by a £5,000 Lottery grant and £20,000 from Comic Relief. Burnley and Padiham Housing gave the group four years free rent.