Everybody needs good neighbours, and a Herne Hill woman has proved she is the best of all.

Maude Estwick, from Poplar Road, was voted the best neighbour in the country in the National Housing Federation's annual Neighbourhood Awards.

She was presented with her award by chat show host Trisha Goddard at a ceremony in Birmingham, after being chosen as the best neighbour by a panel of housing association residents from around the country.

Grandmother-of-six Maude, who is a tenant of London and Quadrant housing association, has worked hard to help her community and make a difference to the area in the 23 years she has lived there.

She is chairman of Milkwood Residents' Association, which helped lead the project to turn a vandalised space into the now award-winning Milkwood Road community park.

Maude is also a founder member of a local youth club, the Popular Youth Association, and is now working to change the disused hall at St John's Church, in Lowden Road, into a community centre.

"I don't know why I won the award - I just do things with my heart," said Maude, 59, who is married with four children. "I was really surprised to be nominated."

Maude was especially excited to meet Trisha, being a big fan of her show. "She's one of my idols and was lovely when I met her," she said.

"I always talk to my neighbours and I'm in the residents' associations office in Jessop School most days.

"I've been around for a long time and see lots of difficulties which I use my experience to help with, but I don't know if it's true that I'm the best person to live next door to in the country."