No job is too big or small for DIY demon Doug Tattles. Residents in York Street, Summerhill, Newcastle know they can call on 68-year-old Doug for anything they need. The retired floorer is always willing to lend a hand, whether its taking out the bins or moving heavy furniture.

“It’s pretty much an everyday occurance, I’ve been helping people in the street for years,” said Doug, who has five children and 12 grandchildren.

“I helped my neighbour carry a bed into the attic the other week. I help people with their gardens and shopping.  I put a bolt on my neighbour’s gate for them the other day.

In a street of around 40 houses, Doug knows everyone by name and is always smiling and chatting to people.  He was nominated by neighbour Nahid Akhtar Din, who appreciated Doug’s warm welcome when he moved to the area and is grateful for all the odd jobs Doug does.

He said: 

“When we first moved into the street, he and his wife greeted us with happiness. It’s also little words they often say that are thoughtful, which brighten up our day.

"They make sure nobody dumps rubbish in the street or back lane, and if they do see someone doing it, they tell them not to.

“They are helping the community and environment as well as being a good neighbour.”