A WOMAN who works selflessly to help others has won a housing association's annual good neighbour award.

Pat Howard was the overwhelming choice of the judges for the Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association's (DAMHA) 2013 Good Neighbour of the Year award.

Mrs Howard claimed the prize after receiving numerous nominations from the people she helps in William Keers Crescent and Joseph Patterson Crescent, Ferryhill.

One of the people who nominated her, Elizabeth Hall, described her as a very kind person who will do anything for anyone.

She said: “She goes to the fish shop once a month and personally delivers them to every door. She does the shopping for everyone and wheels them to and from the day centre we use for our weekly get together.

“She also gives lifts to people who cannot get around very well and picks up prescriptions and groceries. I have never met such a kind and selfless person.”

Another nominator, Alice Jewett, added: “I once had a burst water main in my yard on a Saturday and went to Pat to report it. She came straight over with a tool and in no time unblocked it.”

Audrey Temple, who also nominated Mrs Howard, said: “She is the kindest person I know; nothing is too much trouble for her.”

After picking up her trophy, plaque and £150, which she says she will put towards the cost of buying a television and DVD player for the day centre, a very modest Mrs Howard said: “When I do things for people I am not thinking about getting rewards, but it is a really honour and it means everything to me.”

The winner of the second prize (£100 and a plaque) was George Tilley, of Ramsey Terrace, Delves Lane, Consett, who has been described as “the most caring and helpful neighbour that anyone could wish for”.

Mr Tilley said: “I was a bit shocked when I found out because I am just trying to help people, but I am really over the moon.”

Third prize (£75 and a plaque) went to Tony Gardener, of Jones Court, Bowburn, who is described as “an excellent neighbour” who does everything from putting bins out to taking people shopping.

Mr Gardener said: “I am a little embarrassed because I just do what I can for other, however it is really nice to be recognised like this.”

Paul Mullis, DAMHA Chief Executive, said: “We had over 200 nominations this year, which is one of the best responses we have ever had to the good neighbour of the year award.

“It is fantastic to see that neighbourliness is still very much evident in our homes. It’s humbling when you read of the things people are doing for others and this year’s winners all thoroughly deserve their awards.”

This year’s award was sponsored by Aareon UK Ltd. Chris Mumford, Account Development Manager, said: “It’s wonderful to see so much camaraderie and people who would do anything for each other.”