A kind Bradfordian who was nominated by his 76-year-old neighbour has been celebrated with a special award.

Girlington resident Abad Hussain has been a reliable friend to Ray following his recent health struggles.

Describing Abad’s nature, his nominator said: “Kindness, helpfulness and concern for others. Always willing to help me and always there for me. A very reassuring presence next door to me. A wonderful neighbour.

“Due to my health he has been running me around at my beck and call, he does my shopping and also takes me shopping, he posts my letters, picks up my prescriptions, and drops them off.

“He checks on me regularly and I know that I only have to ring and he will be there. This is all in addition to having his own family to care for.

“I have been very unwell.

“I was admitted and he kept in touch with me and came to see me and brought me the T&A.

“He has young children yet always fits me in to his busy schedule.”

Describing how it felt to win the award, Abad said: “It’s a lovely surprise, just soaking it in really. How many people voted, I didn’t realise.

“I’m struggling to find the words to speak.

“I’m just thankful I’m in a position where I have the time for him and my family. It’s the support of my family that allows me to be able to do these little jobs here and there for Ray.

“We just went to the hospital. It’s just nice I can do that for him and it just puts him at ease as well with him having his health problems and anxiety. He just needs somebody.”

Speaking on how he hopes his work will inspire others, he said: “Just if you’ve got a minute, just two or three minutes, have a look to your right, to your left or across the road. Build a relationship because there’s people out there who are on their own.

“You don’t know where people are going through in life. Sometimes they just need a little chat, to talk to somebody, and it helps so much.

The award celebrates people that go above and beyond to do the neighbourly thing in their local community.

“Even if you’re popping to the shop or market and you know they go there, if they’re an elderly person, ask them ‘Do you want me to pick anything up?’.

“Your neighbour’s the easiest person to check up on. You don’t have to go far. Just look in on that person.

“With him [Ray] suffering from anxiety his mind wanders and just to check in on him now and then breaks him out of that thought he’s stuck in. It just helps him.”

The award was created to recognise residents who step forward when they find their neighbours are facing difficulties or just need some odd jobs tackling.