A SELFLESS helper and friendly face next door is embarrassed at the attention she is attracting after being nominated as a Neighbour from Heaven.

Irene Throp is the kindly neighbour who goes out of her way to assist family, friends and fellow residents in Framwellgate Moor, Durham.

But she seeks no reward for her efforts, so was taken aback when she heard that grateful neighbours Dorothy and Bob Gibb had put her name forward for The Northern Echo's competition.

The couple were particularly warmed by her support for Mrs Gibb when her husband was in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary for stomach surgery.

Mrs Gibb said: "I was fearful of travelling up there to visit, but she came up with me on the bus every day and was a real comfort.

"She's getting on herself and has had recent knee surgery, but still nothing is too much trouble for her.

"Irene is always prepared to offer a helping hand and yet she never seeks any reward. It's just her nature. Everybody round here knows her.

"She's somebody to say 'hello' to, but she never has a bad word to say about anyone."

Mrs Throp, 78, whose husband, Norman, died 17 years ago, has remained active, helping with a local luncheon club for the elderly and becoming a deputy warden at nearby St Aidan's Church.

She prefers to avoid the limelight, but said she was lucky to have such friendly neighbours.

"Everyone seems to know everyone else and if anyone can help each other they will do what they can," she said.

"I'm a bit embarrassed about the nomination, but it's lovely to be thought of like this. Bob and Dorothy are really nice people."

* The Northern Echo has teamed up with Going Places and The Cruise Store to offer a cruise holiday, or vouchers for a cruise to the value of £1,500, to the winner of the competition.

The person who nominates the winner will also receive £250. Entries can be made to Neighbour from Heaven, c/o The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF.