FORGET Neighbours From Hell -- Thame has a Neighbour From Heaven.

Ex-policeman Colin Long is in the finals of a national Neighbours From Heaven competition for the help he gives his next door neighbour Ruth Chaplin.

He was nominated by 84-year-old Mrs Chaplin's daughter Elizabeth Clark.

She said: "My mother struggles on alone and will not come to live with us in Gloucestershire.

"But she has an amazing neighbour in Colin. She prays every night that the Lord will care for her and we feel Colin is part of the answer.

"He believes he is doing nothing special and that anyone would do the same. But that is not the case - he is very special."

Mr Long used to be a policeman and served in Thame. His wife Peggy is the local traffic warden.

He was not available for comment on the nomination.

But organiser Des Holland said: "He was astonished to be nominated and embarrassed as well.

"It is really good to be able to forget for once the much vaunted neighbours from hell -- we are celebrating neighbours from heaven."

Mr Long of Croft Close, Thame, is one of seven finalists in the national com- petition.

The winner will be chosen by Rosemary Conley, the best-selling diet, self-help and fitness expert, on November 10.

If he wins he will get a £300 cheque to give to a charity of his choice, a trip on the London Eye and a VIP tour of the Houses of Parliament.