BLACKBURN MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw presented Blackburn with Darwen Council with a Safer Shopping Award -- one of only 10 so far in the country.

The award recognises efforts by the council to combat crime in town centres. Measures include CCTV, Shopwatch radio links, exclusion orders and anti-social behaviour orders.

The award was collected by Councillor Bill Taylor on behalf of the Crime and Disorder Partnership.

Mr Straw said: "This award is recognition for five years' hard work with local businesses in both Blackburn and Darwen town centres, the police, the council and the town centre management, to bring about a more secure environment for shoppers."