FOR years Stella Black has helped her 96-year-old neighbour with the shopping, cleaning and meals, and has never wanted any reward.

But her selfless devotion had not gone unnoticed, and yesterday she picked up the region's Good Neighbour of the Year Award.

Thinking she was simply going to lunch at Chester-le-Street's Red Lion pub, she was stunned to find she was the centre of attention and one of three winners in the annual awards, given by the Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes' Association.

Mrs Black, of the Aged Miners' Homes, in Eldon Bank Top, Shildon, has been a source of comfort to Jenny Wren, a great-great-grandmother who lives alone.

She was nominated by Mona Cook, Mrs Wren's daughter, who said: "She visits my mother come rain, hail or snow, every lunch and tea-time to help her with her meals and sits with her.

"Nothing is too much trouble and the only time she complains is if I buy her something to show my appreciation."

Mrs Black said she was touched, if surprised, to win the award, which carries a £150 cash prize and a plaque.

Runner-up was Alan Hadden, 73, of Adair Terrace, Chopwell, nominated by his next-door neighbour, Jane Allan, and by Margaret Wallbanks, who lives two doors away.

Third place went to widower John Pallot, 74, of Joseph Patterson Crescent, in Dean Bank, Ferryhill, who was nominated by neighbours grateful for his constant errand running.

Association chairman Bob Olaman said, since the award started in 1980, it was getting harder to pick the winners.

"We usually get between 80 and 90 nominations, but this year we had 130. It's so difficult to pick winners - in fact you could pick three at random and they would all be worthy."