Neighbours who go the extra mile to help one another have been recognised at an annual awards.
Each year housing association, Amber Valley Housing, asks its tenants to nominate their local community heroes.
The awards scheme aims to promote the importance of good neighbourliness and how residents can work together to create active communities.
This year winners were named in two categories. Shirley Rathband was the winner of the 25 to 50 years category and Val Blatherwick was the winner of the 50 plus category.
Shirley, from Somercotes, was nominated by neighbour Pauline Adams, who said: “Since losing my husband last year, Shirley has been an angel to me. She comes and sits with me most nights, cooks me Sunday dinner and, with me being disabled, does a lot of shopping for me and does my hair.
“She looks after my cats whilst I’m on holiday - nothing is too much trouble for her. She is a Godsend to me.”
Shirley said: “It was a real surprise to be nominated, and even more so to win. I couldn’t believe it but it is lovely.”
Val, from Heanor, was nominated by her neighbour Jean Bailey, who said: “Val went out of her way to make me welcome on our scheme from the moment I arrived and still continues to do so. She’s such a good neighbour to all and always puts the rubbish bins out for everyone.
“She’s given me clothes and cakes. She used to be the youngest here but since I moved in four years ago she has called me the ‘new kid on the block’. She is a brilliant neighbour and a true friend.”
Val said: “I was absolutely gobsmacked when I found out I had won. I read the letter and just couldn’t believe it. Now that it has sunk in I am delighted. I just like to be a good friend to my neighbours but it is nice to be appreciated.
“I think it is important that people look out for each other. It creates a good sense of community.”
Amber Valley Housing owns and manages more than 5,500 homes in the borough and works to support a range of community initiatives. Executive director, Paul Parkinson, said: “Reports often claim that people don’t know their neighbours any more, and that the days of community spirit are gone. The stories we hear through the Good Neighbour Award scheme demonstrate that this is far from the truth.
“By taking an interest and supporting each other, neighbours can help to make their communities better places to be. This might involve assisting someone during a difficult time, or simply getting together to share an interest. The results can help to break down feelings of isolation and create areas that people feel positive about and that feel safe and inviting to live in.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners and we look forward to receiving even more entries next year.”
The winners both received a certificate and a £20 gift voucher at an awards ceremony at Amber Valley Housing’s head office in Ripley.
