by Emma Grove

THIS week we can announce the second winner of our monthly Swale Good Neighbour Award.

Dave and Rose Cook have been nominated by their thankful neighbour, Kelly Taylor.

Kelly, 37, has nominated the Cooks because they have helped her so much since her marriage broke down several years ago.

She says 63-year-old Dave, who she jokingly calls her 'odd job man’ does things for her all the time, so much so that she doesn’t know what she would do without them.

As well as doing odd jobs such as putting the bins out, putting pictures up and fixing the toilet, Dave has also helped with decorating the whole house and building a flower bed wall.

He has even put a gate from his garden through to Kelly’s to make it easier for him to cut the grass.

Kelly has lived next door to Dave and Rose for 14 years in Sunny Bank, Murston.

Kelly said: “Dave is up for work at 4.30am every morning and he still finds time to help.

“My children think they are fantastic and don’t think twice about calling on them if they need them.

“We have become very good friends. Dave has taught me a lot of DIY.”

Surprised Dave said he didn’t know anything about being nominated until Kelly came and told him he had won.

He said he helps out because it’s how he was brought up to be.

“It’s very nice of Kelly.It’s nice to have neighbours that get on – it doesn’t happen a lot these days.

“Years ago it happened all the time – everybody was a good neighbour and you never used to lock your doors – it’s the way it should be.”

For winning the monthly heat of Swale’s Good Neighbour, Dave and Rose win a meal for two at campaign sponsors The Vineyard in Sittingbourne High Street.

The Cooks also go through to the final of the campaign where they could scoop a £1,000 prize from co-sponsor Swale Borough Council.

Swale editor Matt Ramsden said: “Another great example of good neighbourlyness. Kelly is very lucky to have the Cooks as neighbours.”

Cllr John Morris, Swale council’s executive portfolio holder for community services, said: “The little things in life mean so much and this story captures thevery essence of being a good neighbour.

“In supporting this competition with the KM, we wanted everyone to recognise the people who turn their neighbours into friends and their roads into close-knit communities.

“Dave and Rose are people who sound like they go the extra mile for the people they care about, and they thoroughly deserve this accolade.”

If you want to nominate a neighbour, write to Swale’s Good Neighbour, 44 High Street, Sheerness, ME12 1NL, saying why they deserve to be chosen. Please include your telephone number.