THE results are in and Cumbria's 'neighbour of the year' has been chosen.

Elaine Dickinson, of Seascale, West Cumbria, came out on top in the category at the Pride of Cumbria Awards.

Mrs Dickinson, 75, helps out an elderly woman who lives over the road and whose daughter lives in America.

She keeps the woman company, visits her in the morning to check she's up, and takes her to the gym.

Upon being announced as the winner of the award, Mrs Dickinson reflected on how the pandemic had affected people's relationships with their neighbours.

"Everybody's helped everybody out, and it's been really special," she said.

"Even though we had a lot of sadness, and everybody was very unsure, I think it pulled a lot of people together.

"A smile and a hello is everything, isn't it, because some people don't see anybody day in, day out, and it must be awful for them, so I hope that somebody might look after me one day like that.

"We all need other people, we all need somebody."

Mrs Dickinson, who is originally from Salford, described being 'very proud' to receive the honour, but said: "It means a great deal, but I don't do it for the reward, I do it because I want to do it, I like to do it."

She was up against stiff competition in the neighbour of the year category. Also up for the award were Myles Ripley, of Sedbergh, who was instrumental in setting up a Covid-support group of volunteers at the beginning of the pandemic, and Jamie Postler, of Walney, Barrow, who worked to ensure friends and family 'had everything they needed' when the pandemic hit.