A WOMAN has been nominated for a regional award by her neighbours.

Susan Boyle, 70, has lived in Bolam, in Teesdale, for ten years and been involved in everything from campaigning against wind turbines to making her neighbours’ Christmas cakes.

Now her neighbours, Kathy and John Pagella, have nominated her for the Chairman’s Medal, Durham County Council’s highest honour for individuals and groups who have had a significant achievement and outstanding effort in all walks of life.

Mrs Pagella said she nominated the former nurse because “every village should have a Susan”.

Mrs Boyle, who lives with husband Arthur, 71, is involved in all aspects of village life and has been particularly nominated for her role within the Friends of St Andrew’s Church, which raised more than £10,000 to restore the threatened building and as a Street Angel, which involves looking out for the most vulnerable in the village.

The mum-of-three is also a church warden, a member of the Bolam Area Action Partnership and finds time to waitress in the village pub on Sundays.

However, she is probably most known for making her famous marmalades and chutneys as well as whipping up more than 20 Christmas cakes for villagers each year.

Mrs Boyle said: “It’s nice that people think of you in that way.

“I love living here and I’m very close to my neighbours.”

Mrs Pagella added: “Susan is a valuable member of the community and a great friend to have, she’s supportive and always there.”