The women, who do not wish to be named, provided key evidence which enabled police to convict and evict the individuals responsible.

Their efforts have been recognised by Norfolk Police and Peddars Way Housing Association, which have presented them with a certificate and a £200 community reward.

The presentation formed part of Civic Pride Spring Clean, one of six week-long multi-agency Respect Action Weeks planned for Norfolk which aim to improve the quality of life in key neighbourhoods.

One of the women said she got involved because she feared for the safety of her grandchildren when they visited her.

"These people don't care they are making other people's lives a misery. They probably don't even know they are," she said.

"When I moved to Thetford, it seemed so clean and nice compared to where I'd lived, but I think things have got worse.

"Children are getting up to mischief. I think it's sometimes a case of babies bringing up babies and a lot of parents don't seem to care."

She said was moved to act when she grew suspicious that the people were dealing drugs close to her home.

"People were coming and going from this address all day, from nine or 10 o'clock in the morning right through to 2 or 3am.

"There were people knocking on the door and arguments going on. There were kids going into the address and I did not want my grandchildren involved in it.

"I contacted the housing association and the police, who were really good and I was able to give them bits of information about what I'd seen so they could do something about it."

The drug dealer was eventually convicted of possession and, partly through evidence provided by the community reward winner who was willing to offer a statement, evicted from the address.

"My quality of life has improved since something was done and I would do it again," she added.

"A lot of people are willing to moan and complain about things going on but then back down because they don't want to get involved.