A COMPETITION to find good neighbours has been flooded with nominations for people young and old.

It was organised by Broadacres Housing Association, in Northallerton, to mark the end of its tenth year.

The association offered tenants living in the 4,500 homes it manages a chance to nominate a good neighbour in one of three different age categories - 17 and under, 18 to 61 and over 61.

Lynsey Hills, 12, from Appleton Wiske, near Northallerton, won the under 17s category for being a good neighbour to Nora Maltby, 88.

Mrs Maltby said: "Lynsey has been going to the Post Office every Saturday for me for over three years and shops for me during the week whenever I want anything. She is a wonderful girl and as she is only 12 years old, it is so lovely to know that the youth do care.

"She makes such a difference to my life. If Lynsey can't come for any reason, her little brother, who is only nine years old, comes instead. It goes to show what a caring family they are and such an asset to our village."

Lynsey and the other winners were presented with silver rose bowls and cheques for £100. Three runners up won bouquets and cheques for £50. Bouquets were awarded to those who nominated a winner or runner up.

Steve Towers, managing director of Broadacres, said: "As this was our first good neighbour competition we were delighted with the response."