The Day for Dorothy was staged in Paston, Peterborough, in memory of local pensioner Dorothy Barclay (79), who died earlier this year after suffering a stroke, but who had refused to stop her daily walk into town despite being mugged and injured by a ride-by robber.

The event had been staged after residents had indicated that anti-social behaviour and graffiti rated highly on their list of concerns and the aim was to encourage residents to tell police their crime worries and help make the streets a "cleaner and safer place to live".

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Alan Bradshaw said he was really disappointed at the poor turnout, which included a handful of adults and a number of children.

He said: "I don't know what else we could do, we advertised the day enough.

"Are we to assume that everyone is happy with policing in Paston?"

But community development worker with Paston Area Community Trust (PACT) Sally Chalfont said she thought the day had been a "success" and had a record number of children attend the event.

They had been drawn by the presence of the youth services circus skills team and sports development activities.

She said: "We have learnt from previous events and tried to cater for everyone. We did have a lot more children than adults but we believe reaching out to anyone rather than a particular group is the most important thing.

"We had a giant picture of Dorothy there and we were asking people in the community for the ideal tribute. We had suggestions for a bench or a community award."

PACT is welcoming suggestions of a suitable tribute and are thinking of setting up a fund in her honour.

Neighbourhood environment officer and street leader co-ordinator Ian Tobin said the council was also pleased with how the day went and had some new street leaders sign up.

Mr Tobin said: "We wanted to follow up the week of action as it helps the community to know we just don't show up for a week and then leave. We want to sustain the work we do there and offer help to areas in regards to information and education."

Other agencies taking part on the day were Cross Keys Homes, Accent Nene and Peterborough Regional College.