A PENYGROES woman has been named Wales’ ‘Neighbour of the Year’ by Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch.

Nicola Bee-Jones was nominated by her neighbour, Heather, and chosen as the winner for the region after making her mark as the cornerstone of the road she lives on, through a number of selfless acts for her neighbours.

As Heather is relatively new to the area, Nicola always offers a helping hand, whether that’s helping to translate from Welsh to English as Heather is a non-Welsh speaker, or advising on local amenities or services.

Nicola also accepts parcels for her neighbour, house sits and looks after the neighbours’ pets while they’re on holiday.

Over the past year of being neighbours, the two have become great friends.

Both neighbours look out for each other and help each other as much as they can, as they both suffer long term health problems.

A new study from Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch shows that in a fifth of people in Wales (18 per cent) want to be friendlier with their neighbours with just one in 16 (six per cent) believing they have a worse relationship with their neighbours than they did five years ago.

To determine what makes a great neighbour in today’s society, the insurer invited Co-op’s members to answer a series of questions to seek out the best qualities and the following four themes were revealed as being sociable and friendly, keeping an eye out for neighbours, practically helpful and kind.

Heather said: “I feel so proud of Nicola winning this award – she is a truly amazing neighbour and it feels great to have her recognised for all of her support.

“She is a well-known friendly face and knows many people in and around Gwynedd.

“Whether she’s having a BBQ or a few friends round, Nicola always makes sure that we get an invitation.

“Nicola really is amazing. She has become a very dear friend.

“She is inclusive, but not nosey. I think that’s why we all love her – she is a genuinely good person.”