ERIC Clissold is, in Stan Pajak's mind, the perfect neighbour.

The 79-year-old lives next door to the mayor in Drove Road with his wife, Ivy.

According to Coun Pajak, he is always friendly, chatty and happy to help out when he can lending tools, offering the use of his trailer and looking out for others.

He is exactly the sort of person Coun Pajak wants to see nominated for the good neighbour category of his Citizen of Swindon awards.

The awards were launched by the mayor when he began his year of office in May and are intended to honour the unsung heroes of the community.

The first one was given out at last week's full council meeting to three-year-old Bethany Robinson.

The toddler was chosen for the young person category, after beating cancer and acting as the ears for her two deaf parents, while still retaining a huge smile and bubbly spirit.

The next award is for the town's best neighbour and Coun Pajak believes Eric is a good example for others to follow.

He said: "We've lived next door to Eric and Ivy for about five years and we consider ourselves lucky.

"Eric has a bundle of energy and is always willing to help his neighbours when he can. He even helped out when someone gave us a one-armed bandit for a charity auction we needed to get it carted down the road and he lent us his trailer.

"But I'm sure he's not unique there are hundreds of people like him in Swindon and I want to hear about them."

Eric is Swindon born and bred and has lived in Drove Road for 52 years. He said: "I've got to know a few neighbours in my time. They do come and go.

"I've always been a neighbourly sort, because I reckon life is a bit like that. You have to help one another out and you never know when you will need a neighbour."

Anyone who wants to nominate a neighbour for the award can do so by following the instructions on the left and sending it to the mayor's secretary, Carol Deamer, at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.

The closing date for nominations is September 12 and the award will be presented at the next full council meeting on September 26.