EVERYBODY needs good neighbours and for one Northwich community, that has resulted in an award for someone who always goes the extra mile.

Residents living on Ashwood Park, on Chapel Street in Wincham, took part in a competition to find the 'Best Neighbour' on the 150 home estate.

The competition was launched by Neighbourhood Watch coordinators Brenda Kaye Heald and Julia Griffiths, with the winner being awarded with a £25 gardening voucher.

Much to her great surprise 71-year-old Judith Jones took home the prize, after being nominated for it by her neighbour Lydia Capper, who is 94.

Lydia nominated Judith for keeping an eye on and 'running around after her' for the past 17 years, despite having her own mother and family to take care of.

Julia Griffiths said: "From shopping, attending hospital appointments and putting bins out and away, the bond between them both is heartwarming.

"Judith refers to Lydia as her second mum, and she was speechless to have won the competition.

"Judith's doggie Alfie is always part of the scene so had to be involved in the photographs."

The gift was funded by National Neighbourhood Watch following a successful bid for a community grant in January 2021.

"It is too easy to take good relationships for granted, especially where neighbours have become friends and there is a dependency over a period of time," Julia added.

"A simple act of kindness, such as saying thank you privately or publicly not only makes the other person feel appreciated but also makes them feel special because of the gesture itself.

"I am a firm believer that kindness is a personal strength, not a weakness as is often perceived.

"Some months ago, the BBC launched a huge online public science project called the Kindness Test, in collaboration with a team from the University of Sussex in the UK.

"Many thousands of people from all over the globe completed it.

"The hope is that this research will start the process of obtaining a fuller picture of kindness in today's world.

"The key findings will be discussed and presented on BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service in early 2022."