Everybody should have a neighbour like Freda Chapman.

Mrs Chapman has won a top award for being a good friend - and an even better neighbour.

She was given the Touchline Neighbour of the Year Award after being nominated by Jan Kerchell, who lives opposite her in Leslie Road, Rayleigh.

Mrs Chapman proved herself to be a great neighbour after the eldest son of the Kerchell family, 14-year-old Tony, was taken ill at school.

Mrs Kerchell was not at home, so Mrs Chapman arranged for him to be collected and brought home and looked after him until his mum returned.

Mrs Kerchell said: "She is always there if someone needs help. She often baby-sits for us at the drop of a hat and regularly minds the two eldest when we have to take our nine-year-old to Great Ormond Street Hospital as he has chronic renal failure.

"When we go on holiday she looks after our pets at her house and waters the plants.

"She also regularly visits a housebound friend to help her with any task and even finds time to work as a volunteer in a local charity shop two days a week."

Mrs Chapman, a 71-year-old widow, won the title from Touchline following a tough decision by judges from the customer services organisation.

Mrs Chapman said: "I am absolutely delighted and more surprised than anything."

Matt Wallace, customer services manager of Touchline, said: "This year has yet again proved that many of us are lucky enough to be able to look to our neighbours for help.

"Some people's neighbours, however, really do go that extra mile, and this year we just had to agree with Mrs Kerchell that Mrs Chapman was the deserving recipient of this award."

Mrs Chapman was presented with the award, and a special fruit bowl and vase, by Matt Wallace of Touchline at her home.

Simply the best - Jan Kerchell, left, says neighbour Freda Chapman is always ready to help others

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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