IF you ever need a cup of sugar then the person you need to see is Ted Higgins.

That's because caring Ted is in line to scoop the title of Britain's Best Neighbour.

Kind-hearted Ted, from Bridport, has been shortlisted for the competition's south-west award and will find out if he has won in early June. If successful he could be named overall champion in the national final later that month.

Ted, 72, who lives alone in a flat in Chardsmead Court, Bridport, was nominated for the awards by disabled neighbour Frances Cook because of his daily visits and the help he gives to other residents.

He regularly takes widow Mrs Cook, who is in a wheelchair, into the town centre for shopping and keeps her company by taking her out on visits. His kindness extends to other elderly residents including Norah Eveleigh, who he kept a close eye on when she was ill. But humble Ted, who used to be a farm worker, says his work has been no hardship and cannot understand all the fuss.

"I don't think about it. I just do it and everything is just perfectly natural behaviour. I can't see why I've been nominated. I kept asking the organisers 'why me?' because it seems so strange," he said.

Ted has helped Mrs Cook, who has lived in Bridport for 12 years, since she moved into the complex last year.

"It's marvellous how she copes with being in a wheelchair so I take her out now and again because it would be really miserable for her if she was stuck inside all the time," he added.

But despite Ted's modesty, Mrs Cook believes the accolade is richly deserved. She said: "He is so willing and thoughtful and helps not just me but an awful lot of people all around Bridport. Ted deserves every bit of credit he gets."

The competition, run by household product firm Kleeneze and the National Neighbourhood Watch Association, was launched eight years ago to recognise people who make their community a more caring place to live.

Ted will be up against good neighbours Carol Gleeson, from Swindon and Marcia Potter from Salisbury.

If Ted wins he will receive a plaque and £200-worth of Kleeneze vouchers and then go up against the other nine regional winners for the overall title on June 20.

The overall winner will travel to London to receive the award and an all expenses-paid holiday.

Award spokeswoman Tamsin Henderson said: "Ted was nominated for the continued dedication he has shown to his disabled neighbour, who he visits every morning without fail, and the helpfulness he shows towards the other residents in the complex where he lives."