Kind-hearted Simon Astill is preparing for a well-deserved holiday on the ocean waves after his amazing community spirit saw him named the region's Neighbour from Heaven.

Mr Astill's friendly manner and willingness to help his neighbours at all times has won him the top prize in a hugely popular competition run by The Northern Echo.

The paper's Neighbours from Heaven initiative was set up to find the people who bring joy to communities throughout the North-East and North Yorkshire.

After a national wave of publicity about neighbours from hell blighting the lives of decent people, we set about finding their exact opposites. While local authorities have been seeking anti-social behaviour orders, or Asbos, against offenders, the Echo has handed out Obsas - Outstanding Behaviour Special Awards.

Mr Astill was nominated by neighbours Mark and Carol Bradley for welcoming them into their new home in Colburn Avenue, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

He regularly wheels his neighbours' bins to the roadside for collection and returns them to the back garden to help keep the footpaths clear. Mr Astill, who has learning difficulties, has even gone so far as to clear away snow and grit the driveways of homes in the cul-de-sac during the winter months.

His efforts to brighten up the community have spread further. He endeavours to keep the area clean, often doing his own spontaneous litter-picking sessions.

Mr Astill was presented with his prize - the tickets for a dream cruise worth £1,500 - by Darlington MP Alan Milburn yesterday.

Mr Astill said: "It's a very big surprise. It's just normal stuff for me to help the neighbours out with the bins and with the litter."

His parents, Keith and Anne, also attended the presentation at The Northern Echo's head office, in Priestgate, Darlington.

Mrs Astill said: "We're delighted, it's great news. I must admit the litter is one of my pet hates, so that must have rubbed off on him."

Mr Milburn said: "There is so much bad news about neighbours from hell - they can make people's lives a misery.

"But it's important to remember that, here in the North-East, the majority of people get on together and are good neighbours.

"It's good to recognise people like Simon and commend all the sterling work that he does."