The only way to have a friend is to be one.

It's an old saying that is alive and well in Tiptree, where two teenagers have been commended for their long-term friendship of an elderly widow.

And today the Gazette adds to their praise by nominating them for a Colchester and East Essex Co-op Community Award.

Jessica Wren and Naomi Marley came to know Madeleine Barton after the death of her husband, George, eight years ago.

Mrs Barton, of D'Arcy Road, said: "My husband used to meet our grand-daughters from Thurstable School, and whilst waiting for them, Jessica and Naomi, then aged five or six, used to walk past on their way home from Milldene.

"Eventually they began to chat to my husband and they became great friends, although they did not know me at the time.

"When he died I had lovely letters from them, and they started to visit me. As they were only seven at the time I did not expect their visits to continue, but they are now 16 and visit me every half-term and end-of-term," she added.

The girls, who live in the village, also remember Mrs Barton with holiday postcards and gifts at Easter, Christmas and on her birthday.

Mrs Barton, now in her late 70s, was so impressed with the girls that she wrote to their headmaster at Thurstable School, Nick Hammond.

He said: "I am immensely proud of them. Lots of our students do things in the community, and we are proud of them. Jessica and Naomi are particularly special in what they have done. They are two nice young ladies."

Mr Hammond admitted to a lump in his throat when he read of the girls' commitment.

"I was really delighted to get the letter. They have set a good example to other students and it is nice that people write in and tell us."

Naomi and Jessica, both year 11 pupils, each received a commendation certificate, and were congratulated by Mr Hammond and governors' chairman Tony Webb.

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