Dear Sharon , I would like to nominate Dave Cuthbert of Forum Feeds in Ferryhill. He was delivering my order of bird seed and dog food when he found me in a very distressed state from pain and worry.

He immediately took charge - phoned my doctor, saw to my dog, stayed until the doctor arrived and then locked up for me. He phoned later to ask if I was better or to see if I needed any further help. This was definitely above and beyond the what you'd expect from a pet shop and I was extremely grateful to him for his kindness.

Pat Catterson, Sedgefield.

Dave sounds just the man to have around in an emergency and we are delighted to send him this week's real bouquet for his kindness.

Dealing with call centres can reduce most of us to gibbering wrecks. Mrs Brown of Darlington recently rang the Abbey National call centre to enquire about mortgages and was very pleasantly surprised. "A young man I spoke to was really informative and helpful - such a refreshing change. I think the call centre is based in Stockton, so please give our local people a pat on the back."

Grace Parker of Darlington had spent a day in Newcastle looking for shoes for a special occasion, but with no joy. "Happening to be in Northallerton, I went on the off-chance into Clinkards and found just what I wanted. Best of all, the manageress was very kind and helpful and would have brought every shoe in the shop out for me, I think."

Judith Reed from Darlington writes in praise of the volunteers and staff of the town's Dial A Ride scheme, which operated for ten years until recently.

" Since my husband died two years ago I have used it on a regular basis and everyone concerned was most pleasant and helpful. I never felt a nuisance to them as I often do to others. I am sure I speak for all the other people who were regular users. Life isn't going to be the same without it."

* This is your page to say your public thank you. Just write to Sharon Griffiths, Bouquet of the Week, The Northern Echo, Priestgate Darlington, DL1 1NF, with all the details, not forgetting, please, your name and phone number.

Each week the person nominated in the main letter gets a real bouquet of flowers or a box of posh chocs as a thank you from us