A MAN who does odd jobs for his elderly neighbours has been praised for his community spirit.

Stephen Wakeling, from Leeming, North Yorkshire, has solved all manner of problems for his 80-year-old neighbour, William Anderson, and his wife.

Now Mr Anderson has nominated Mr Wakeling as a true Neighbour from Heaven, and says the title is fully deserved.

Mr Anderson said: "Nothing seems to faze him - car problems, house problems. At one stage he even made a part for a television set that was not replaceable.

"He has done countless jobs for me over the past 20 years.

"He is the sort of person who will drop whatever he is doing and come and sort something out for you if you need him."

Mr Wakeling said he just helps out when and where he can.

He added: "If you help people now, when you are young, I hope people will help me in the same way when I am old."

Mr Wakeling will be presented with a Neighbour from Heaven certificate and is in with a chance of winning the grand prize - a £1,500 holiday, courtesy of The Cruise Store.

If he wins, Mr Anderson will receive £250 worth of holiday vouchers.

To nominate someone for the award, known as an Obsa (Outstanding Behaviour Special Award), which is the opposite of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo), send your entry to: Northern Echo Neighbours from Heaven, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF.

The closing date is June 1 and nominees could be featured in the paper.