MP DAVID Blunkett was invited to present awards by a neighbourhood group - then found he was one of the recipients.
The Labour politician, who represents Brightside in Sheffield, was honoured at the presentation by Stubbin Neighbourhood Association.
He received the award from association chair Sylvana Mansell - herself an MBE for her services to and work on the Stubbin estate.
The award was to thank Mr Blunkett for championing the work of the association and for helping to combat anti-social behaviour.
Following the presentation, Mr Blunkett had a meeting with residents and members of the association, police, Sheffield Homes and youth organisation Sheffield Futures, to discuss drug dealing and anti-social behaviour problems on the estate.
Sylvana said: "It was great to see David come and present some awards - and we were very pleased to give him an award, because we consider him to be a community champion."
Mr Blunkett said: "I'm very proud to represent the area I grew up in and, above all, to work alongside some of the most inspiring and down-to-earth people you could ever wish to meet.
"I am humbled by their dedication and commitment to creating a more secure and pleasant community.
"It's my privilege to be able to provide backing in sorting out problems from anti-social behaviour and criminality through to improvements in the environment."
He added: "It was extremely generous of them to include me in the awards they were presenting to the community champions who make the neighbourhood tick."
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