Good neighbour of the year

Mavis and Brian Bage are the very deserving winners of our 2022 Good Neighbour of the Year award.

Mavis and Brian are much beloved of the people who live in Ryehill Gardens, Hartlepool.

One of the people who nominated them was Eleanor Nottingham, who said: “Mavis and Brian are the best neighbours anyone could have. They continually do anything they can to help anybody.

“They both raise funds throughout the year to hold social nights which they run. Brian also calls the bingo and at our Christmas party last year, Mavis made sure everyone had a gift to take home.

“The homes would not be such a social place if it wasn’t for them.”

A very modest Mavis and Brian have received a trophy, plaque, and payment of £150 in recognition of winning the award.

They said: “It was a shock when our names were read out as we were not expecting anything. We don’t think we do anything special as we just like helping people, but it’s a real honour to win the award.”

Paul Mullis, DAMHA Chief Executive, said: “It’s clear that Mavis and Brian make such a positive impact on their neighbour, so no-one was more deserving of this year’s award than them.

“They are a credit to their local community and the town of Hartlepool as a whole, and we’re proud to have them as residents in our homes.”

Second prize, and receiving a plaque and £100, were Maureen Orrick, from South Shields, and third prize, and receiving a plaque and £75 went to Elizabeth Rae, from Sacriston.