WHEN two members of her family died within the space of a month, Joan Keating did not know who to turn to.

She had only recently moved to village of Piercebridge, in County Durham, from Manchester and was at a low ebb as she tried to come to terms with her loss.

But her Neighbours From Heaven came to her aid - and now she has nominated them for a Northern Echo award.

Pat and Syd Stevenson live next door to Ms Keating, in The Green, Piercebridge, and helped her after the death of her mother, Mary, and brother, Martin, in October and November 2003.

"They have been angels ever since my arrival three-and-a-half years ago," said Ms Keating, 60.

"They are always very welcoming, but the particular reason I nominated them was because of what they did when I lost my mum and brother.

"As a result, I was off work for a few months. They were fantastic and they still are.

"Syd often mows my lawn for me. Practically and emotionally, they are fantastic."

Pat admitted that she was surprised by the nomination.

"I suppose she appreciates what we do - she's been through a tough time and we always try to help. But when you live in a small community, you tend to look out for one another."

Pat and Syd will be presented with a Neighbour from Heaven certificate and are now in with a chance of winning the grand prize - a £1,500 holiday, courtesy of The Cruise Store, the new one-stop cruise shop in Going Places.

If they win, Joan 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), simply send your entry to: Northern Echo Neighbours from Heaven, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF.

The closing date is June 1 and nominees could have their story featured in the paper.