CHRISTINE Simms has a direct way of dealing with the street girls and pimps outside her house.

She marches up to them and tells them they should clear off – and if they do not she will call the police.

The Boscombe resident takes her direct action every night at St Clement’s churchyard.

Christine told the Echo: “We have got two schools here and I do it to make it safer for the children.

“If I don’t like what I see, I approach them. A lot of them just walk off now when they see me.

“I get called every name under the sun but I don’t take any notice, I just walk away.

“It used to be horrible here but now, because of the police, it’s nice 99 per cent of the time. I’ve just done my little bit.”

The police worry about her safety and do not approve of her direct action – but they do love all the other work she does.

Christine has been a member of Knole Road Home Watch for more than five years. She takes part in community litter picks organised by Bournemouth council. And she reports information on crimes in the area.

PCSO Jayne Wilson said: “We would rather people didn’t do what Christine does.

“But her work in the area is invaluable. It’s exactly what we want – for people to take responsibility for their area.”

Christine’s efforts won her the annual High Sheriff’s Award for Community Service.

She picked up her certificate during the Dorset Police Awards at the Hamworthy Club on Magna Road.

High Sheriff Alan Frost was hugely impressed with “salt of the earth” Christine after meeting her while out with the police.

He told the Daily Echo: “Apparently there used to be about 50 girls working around the church, now it’s down to two.”

Christine said: “I felt proud to get the award but didn’t feel I deserved it.”

Friend Janice Childs said: “She has got great values and a great heart – and she is very brave!

“She is forever tackling problems and the community respects her for that.”