A COUPLE have been voted neighbours from heaven in an annual award organised by Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes Association.

Shirley and Peter, of the Aged Miners' Homes, in Stella, Blaydon, won the association's Good Neighbour Award after being nominated by the people who know them best - their own neighbours.

They were presented with an inscribed silver rose bowl, a trophy and £150 prize money at a ceremony at the Red Lion Hotel in Chester-le-Street. Sponsors of this year's award was computer software specialists Aareon UK Limited.

The neighbours praised Mr and Mrs McElvanney for being caring and sincere, as well as the multitude of tasks they perform at the 12-bungalow complex at Stella, including making a Christmas cake for everyone who requested one, dishing out soup, stew and dumplings each week and shopping for people who have difficulty getting out.

Mrs McElvanney, 66, who used to work at Derwenthaugh Cokeworks with her husband Peter, 73, said: "We don't do it for thanks, but it's nice to know you are appreciated."

Runner-up was Betty Meechin, of the Aged Miners' Homes in Blackhall, who won £100. She was described as an angel by her neighbour, May Slater. Mrs Meechin pushes her neighbour by wheelchair to a day centre twice a week.

Tom and Nancy Eve, of the Aged Miners' Homes in Plawsworth Road, Sacriston, finished third, with £75 prize money. Audrey Hubber, who nominated them, said: "They shop, decorate, cut the lawn, take me to hospital and, when Nancy bakes, she gives me bread and pies."

John Humble, director of Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes Association, said: "People living in colliery communities often do not recognise what they do as being out of the ordinary because it's part of the beliefs they have been brought up with - 'labour and love, help one another'."