FIVE kind-hearted people from York have received recognition for going out of their way to help their neighbours.

Carmen Dussoye, husband and wife Tony and Averil Eayrs, Wendy (Wyn) Bryant and Ken Hepworth have been nominated for a Community Pride Award, in the Good Neighbour of the Year category.

Student nurse Mrs Dussoye, 41, of Bramham Road, Acomb, has been put forward for the award by Elaine Harness, who says her neighbour helped save her husband's life.

Ralph Harness collapsed after he went upstairs to go to bed.

Mrs Harness explained: "I followed him slowly up the stairs. Once up there his breathing became very laboured and then suddenly he got out the words 'I can't breathe' and at this point collapsed onto the bed. He started to turn blue and at this point our dog came into the room. I ran to the stairs and asked Carmen for help. She ran up and unhesitatingly went into action, accessing the situation, getting my husband into position.

"She ripped off his jacket and immediately began CPR and mouth to mouth. My husband's face and tongue was dark blue and I at this time was in a state of shock but under Carmen's calm but assertive guidance rang 999.

"Carmen continued the resuscitation until the paramedics arrived. I believed he was dying and have been told that without her immediate and professional actions he would have."

Mr Harness had gone into respiratory arrest and spent five days in hospital with pneumonia.

Wendy Bryant, 73, of Melwood Grove, Acomb, has been nominated by her sister Vera Molloy.

Mrs Molloy said: "Wendy Bryant does so much for neighbours, friends and family, without a thought for her own well-being, She is the most caring, helpful, kindest unpaid carer I know. The time she gives to others is unending.

"For the past 10 years she has cared for so many neighbours, and friends, sadly who were dying, then went on to look after the spouses that were left on their own.

"Then going that extra mile to help the family clear out the house, to get it ready for sale."

She says Mrs Bryant once helped a man who had collapsed at the wheel of his car, and had stopped breathing.

"She managed to get the man out of his car, onto his back and with the help of two passers-by took it in turns to apply CPR until the first response car arrived," Mrs Molloy said.

"He was taken to hospital, and later made a recovery."

Mrs Molloy also says she has been in and out of hospital many times, and when she has woken up Mrs Bryant has been by her side.

Tony and Averil Eayrs, aged 81 and 78 respectively, of Fellbrook Avenue, Acomb, have been nominated by their neighbour Rachel Parker, who said: "Our next door neighbours for 30 years. Look after our end of a cul-de-sac, remind us to put bins out on correct day. Give copious gardening advice. Always supportive with our frequent street parties, baking, sorting tables and chairs.

"Both very active with the Wine Circle, Tony as a judge for wine and cakes. Averil very active volunteering at the St. Leonard's Hospice office and the many fairs and fetes, providing Tony's famous pineapple fruit cakes."

Adrian Sykes has nominated Ken Hepworth, 74, of St George's Place, off Tadcaster Road, for the Good Neighbour of the Year award.

Mr Sykes said: "My good neighbour Ken checks on my well-being and safety, as I am housebound with severe arthritis.

"He assures me a constant supply of local newspapers etc. with unobtrusive offers of practical help and advice. We are pensioners with a great and cheerful rapport and friendship."

The Community Pride Awards are run by The Press with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden.

Nominees must live in, or contribute to life in the City of York Council area, and finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October. Entries are now closed.