MEDICS top the list of ideal neighbours.

Data released today by Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch to mark the launch of the 2021 Neighbour of the Year Awards revealed that medics are the top neighbour of choice for Brits. A survey of more than 2,000 Brits found that 14 per cent of people would most like to live next door to a medical professional - including a nurse, doctor, dentist or paramedic - as many believe their skills might be useful in a crisis. Retired people came second at (13 per cent), with builders third with seven per cent.

The survey revealed qualities that make the 'perfect' neighbour. Friendly but not nosy came top (87 per cent), and those willing to do small jobs when you are out or on holiday - such as receiving parcels and watering plants - are top traits, as is being quiet.

For the fourth year running, people across the UK are being invited to take part in Co-op’s annual hunt for the UK’s Neighbour of the Year - a nationwide search in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch to find and celebrate some of the nation’s best neighbours. Is your neighbour one-in-a-million? If so, they want to hear from you.

Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch are working with Hannah Ingram-Moore, daughter of Captain Sir Tom Moore, to crown this year’s winners, the awards feature the following three categories:

•Neighbour of the Year - Co-op is looking for someone who has gone that extra mile to really make a difference to their neighbourhood and help residents.

•Young Neighbour of the Year - aged 21 and under, is there a special young person in your neighbourhood?

•Community of the Year - Celebrating the nation’s most outstanding community and the lengths they’ve gone to to support others.

Nominations are now open and close on the 26th October 2021. To submit a nomination, simply head over to smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NOTY2021/.

visit: coop.co.uk/noty.