Neighbours who go that extra mile have been thanked at the City of Edinburgh Council’s second Good Neighbour Awards for their inspirational commitment to making the lives of their neighbours better and improving their local community.

At a special reception held in Edinburgh’s City Chambers on March 29, Councillor Kate Campbell, the housing and economy convener, led tributes to the vital support provided by the council tenants who had been recognised at the latest Good Neighbour Awards.

All nominees were thanked for the support they provide to their communities, with four winners being presented with commemorative glass trophies.

The winners were chosen because of the work they do to make their neighbours’ lives better. Isa Morey, Federica Valet, Douglas Nairne and Jeanette Harkins all deserve recognition for the tireless support they provide. The winners were chosen for the range of things they do in their communities such as collecting prescriptions, cooking for ill neighbours and keeping communal gardens clean and tidy.

Isa Morey from West Pilton was nominated for her kindness, particularly for helping her neighbour with her five children.

She said: “I was quite surprised to win this really as I was just trying to help out. My neighbour had a baby recently and I have been knitting for the wee one and handed through homes cooked meals for the family as the mum is so busy she has very little time. It’s nice as they look out for me as well.”

Frederica Valet from Granton was nominated for providing practical and emotional support to a neighbour and for helping to keep Granton beach and pier clean.

She said: “It is the small things that make a big difference and the lady I helped was really nice and I know she would help me as well.”

Douglas Nairne from Muirhouse was nominated for looking after the communal gardens and bin stores in his neighbourhood.

He said: “I had a lot of fun doing it and it is nice to see the place looking so neat and tidy. I have been clearing up litter and pruning the shrubs in the communal gardens.”

Councillor Kate Campbell said: “Despite often facing real hardship and challenges themselves our tenants continue to inspire us with their commitment to looking after their neighbours and local communities. I was delighted to present these awards as these acts of kindness and neighbourliness, however big or small, make a real difference to our communities.”

The awards were organised by the council’s Tenant Panel, in partnership with Capital Credit Union.

Chief executive officer Marlene Shiels OBE said: “Capital Credit Union is delighted once again to sponsor the Good Neighbour Awards. At Capital Credit Union our ethos is ‘people helping people’. We are proud to serve the savings and borrowing needs of local communities, and to go the extra mile to help people make the most out of life, just like the Good Neighbour Award winners.”