A WOMAN who rouses her lifelong friend every morning with a cup of tea and a slice of toast has proved herself a real Neighbour from Heaven.

Audrey Cornish, 68, of Salvin Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, keeps an ear out for her friend, who knocks on the adjoining wall when she needs help, and is always ready to help out.

Her first job each day is to tiptoe into her friend's home and make tea and toast for breakfast in bed.

Mary Bainbridge, 88, who nominated her "one-in-a-million friend" suffers from heart trouble and arthritis and is unable to move around freely, so just having Mrs Cornish there makes everything easier.

Mrs Bainbridge knew Mrs Cornish when she was a baby and became close to her as she grew up.

When Mrs Bainbridge's husband died, 13 years ago, Mrs Cornish was there to give her comfort and talk with her over numerous cups of tea.

She said: "Because she is such a good friend and such a big help I wanted to nominate her to show her how much I appreciate what she does."

When Mrs Cornish found out about her nomination she said: "I love Mary and I will do anything for her. I was always brought up to love and respect older people and I do.

"I was so surprised when I found out she had nominated me. She is good at keeping secrets, isn't she?"

Mrs Cornish will be presented with a Neighbour From Heaven certificate, and is in with a chance of winning the grand prize - a £1,500 holiday courtesy of The Cruise Store. If she wins, Mrs Bainbridge will receive £250 in holiday vouchers.

To nominate someone for an Obsa (Outstanding Behaviour Special Award) - the opposite to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) - send your entry to: Northern Echo Neighbours from Heaven, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF. The closing date is June 1.