WHEN you have lived in the same street for more than 40 years, it is hardly surprising that you take an interest in your neighbours.

But Betty and Richey Waites' concern with the well-being of the people around them has taken them far beyond the call of neighbourly duty.

Since the pair retired a few years ago, they have become the unofficial Good Samaritans of Wilson Street, in Hartlepool.

They keep an eye on neighbour's properties when they go on holiday and, despite his age, Mr Waites is still known to go tearing outside in his dressing gown when a burglar alarm goes off.

Meanwhile, Mrs Waites recently took it upon herself to collect all the Yellow Pages left on her neighbours' doorsteps so they didn't get ruined in the bad weather.

The Waites say they are simply following the example set when they first moved to the area 43 years ago.

Mrs Waites, 73, said: "When we first moved in we didn't have very much money and the house was in a real state.

"We had no doors or windows and the place was filled with dry rot. We were young and didn't much know what we were doing. We had to rely on our neighbours a lot and they were always very good with us. I suppose we learned from them."

One neighbour who has good reason to be thankful for the Waites' early lesson in community spirit is Denise Scott.

Ms Scott, who works in adult education at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "Betty and Richey have been absolutely wonderful. It means you can go on holiday and not have to worry that your house is safe - it's like having an informal neighbourhood watch.

"They make the whole area a much nicer and friendlier place to live."

Mr and Mrs Waites will get a Neighbours from Heaven certificate for being nominated as good neighbours and could win the top prize of £1,500 holiday, courtesy of The Cruise Shop, the one-stop cruise shop in Going Places.

Ms Scott would also get £250 worth of holiday vouchers. To nominate someone for the award - known as an Obsa (Outstanding Behaviour Speical Award), which is the opposite of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo), send your entry form to The Northern Echo, Neighbours from Heaven, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, June 1.