This award is for someone who may care for their neighbours, or help out with household chores. They may help out a number of neighbours, whether it be doing DIY work or helping with cooking and cleaning. We were looking for someone who has gone out of their way to be a number one neighbour.

And the winner is...

Jim Hall

Alan Vout thanks his lucky stars to have such kind-hearted people next door.
Neighbour of 25 years Jim Hall will do anything to help Alan out.
He will always offer to cut the grass or hedge when he is doing his own or giving Alan a lift to the airport when he is going on holiday.

But Alan is especially grateful for the support offered by the kind-hearted couple when he lost his beloved wife, Alice, around 18 months ago.  He struggled to get over the devastating loss but his neighbours were constantly there for him with Jim even giving Alan his mobile number to call him any time of the day or night.

Alan says, "My house is really far too big for one person but I am reluctant to move because of my wonderful neighbours. No – one could have better neighbours than me."

The finalists

Debbie Gibson

Despite juggling a job as a home help for elderly folk while taking care of her autistic son, Matthew, Debbie still finds time to pop next door and help out her retired neighbours Margaret and William Colling.

Her neighbours describe her as an "amazing person who really makes a difference, popping round every week to do the garden and help out with odd jobs as well as baking us corned beef pies, quiches, cakes and biscuits."

Doreen Permain

Selfless Doreen Permain has become like a daughter to next–door–neighbour Monica Laverty and the pair say they wouldn’t move apart, even if they won the lottery.  Since Monica’s husband of 52 years, Tom, passed away last year, Doreen has been constantly by her side.

"I would be lost without her," said Monica. "She has her own family but is always there to help me. Nothing is too much trouble."

Not only does Doreen cook meals for Monica but she always helps her out with the odd jobs she struggles to do.  The two women have become great friends often chatting for hours about all sorts.

Monica says, ‘"We have all heard about the neighbours from hell but Doreen is my neighbour from heaven."