A couple with a sense of community spirit have been nominated for this year's Neighbours From Heaven award.

Charlie and Pat Sargesson, from Cassop, in County Durham, are always happy to help their neighbour, Pauline Saiger, out - despite Mr Sargesson suffering from cancer.

When Mrs Saiger, 63, is away for the weekend in her caravan, the couple look after their neighbour's greenhouse, garden and pond, feeding her six fish.

Mr Sargesson, 71, who enjoys joinery, also used to help out with DIY jobs, while his wife, 68, is a talented seamstress who is always ready to help with any sewing or craftwork.

Mrs Saiger said: "They are just a nice couple. Even though Charlie has cancer and has suffered a lot, he is always cheerful and always willing to help me. When I go away with the caravan, they care for my greenhouse and my fish in the garden pond."

Once, when storms blew Mrs Saiger's gazebo down while she was away, Mrs Sargesson braved the torrential rain and gale force wind to rescue the covers, which were blowing away.

"She dried them all and put them in my sun room for when I got back," Mrs Saiger said.

The couple, who have been married for 48 years, moved into their bungalow 12 years ago. Mrs Saiger moved in next door six years later, but has known Mrs Sargesson, who is originally from Cassop, for many years.

Mrs Saiger, who was widowed 35 years ago, said the couple were always cheerful and have a good sense of humour.

Mrs Sargesson was overwhelmed when she was told she and her husband had been nominated for Neighbours From Heaven.

She said: "I was shocked. You don't expect this to happen to you. Pauline is a good neighbour - she is so nice."

There are 40 places for Neighbours From Heaven on the King of Scandinavia ferry, which will take them for a weekend in Amsterdam.

Just fill in the entry form or go to www.thenorthernecho.co.uk and tell us about your neighbour. Closing date is Friday, Septem-ber 1.

If they win, you and your partner will join your neighbour and their partner on the trip.

The ship leaves on Thursday evening, September 28, returning to North Shields on September 30.

All sailing and hotel accommodation is paid for and there will be a tour of Amsterdam.