A HAVE-A-GO hero who chased and cornered a burglar has been honoured by Hampshire police.

Father-of-four Ian Hall was driving up to his house at Dibden, Waterside, when he saw a man climbing over his next door neighbours' fence.

While his wife Gillian was telephoning the police, he challenged the man, Sam Jones, who later appeared in court and was given two years' probation.

Jones initially ran off into a copse, but Mr Hall persisted and eventually cornered him when he tried to climb over a gate. He kept him there until police arrived and he was arrested by PC Amanda Barry.

Mr Hall, 39, is a sales manager who keeps fit by taking part in various sports. He and his family who moved to Dibden four years ago and he modestly described the incident as "something that you do when these things happen".

He admitted: "My wife was a bit worried that he might have had a knife, but at the end of it, he didn't put up any physical struggle."

That end came with a major response by police in the area and Mr Hall recalled: "There were lights and sirens -- police everywhere. It was a bit like The Bill."

And the police were grateful for his efforts, with the New Forest Divisional Commander Supt Paul Colley presenting him with a Superintendent's congratulations citation at Hythe Police Station.

Supt Colleym said: "This was a a really good piece of work. Not only did he spot what was going on, but he chased the man, cornered and caught him and hung on to him until we arrived. This emphasises the value of co-operation between the public and the police, although we do accept Mr Hall is a fit man and that people's limitations are different. There are obviously occasions and circumstances where the best thing is to go and pick up the phone."

Hythe-based Inspector Phil Winchester commented: "Mr Hall showed great determination and courage in detaining the youth."