PEOPLE in Havering who have gone the extra mile to support their neighbours have been honoured for their efforts.

The Havering Over 50s Forum held its Havering Caring Neighbours Awards for the second year running at Havering Town Hall this month where Upminster MP Angela Watkinson presented three of the accolades to residents in the borough.

First place went to Florrie Rodgers, 83, of Berkeley Avenue, Chase Cross, Romford, who was nominated for her “good old-fashioned kindness” to not just one neighbour but “many down her street”. She was nominated by Judy McCallum, the step-daughter of one of her neighbours who recently died from motor neurone disease.

Her neighbourly duties included reading the Sunday newspapers to her neighbours, checking lottery numbers, dog sitting, making home visits, odd jobs and caring for the weak and vulnerable.

Committed Christian Joyce Ragbir, 65, of Vaughan Avenue, Hornchurch, who “regards anyone in need as her neighbour” devotes her time to caring for others.

The Carribbean-born churchgoer, whose son tragically died aged 42 last year, cared for her elderly next door neighbour before he died, and now looks after another 90-year-old neighbour who is housebound and lonely. She also regularly cooks for neighbours, including the curate and his son and her neighbour Mrs Carol Coals who nominated her for the award.

Alan Burgess and his wife, Mary, of Helmsdale Road, Chase Cross, Romford, were nominated by their elderly next door neighbour Barbara Howlett as a vote of thanks for doing her shopping, changing her bed linen, doing her washing and ironing, putting out her rubbish and other odd jobs.

They received the third place joint award.

The awards were sponsored by Pinney Talfourd Solicitors, Frank Rivett and Sons funeral directors, and Havering Council and supported by Age Concern.