WHEN Derek Dickinson had his leg removed two-and-a-half years ago he found a strong shoulder to lean on in local landlady Carol McLoughlin.

Derek, 70, was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago and suffered problems with his left leg. After developing an abscess he was in so much pain that he asked doctors to remove the limb.

Since then Carol, 59, who runs the George and Dragon in Bacup, with her husband James, 61, has helped on a daily basis.

Carol regularly calls in when Derek's wife Pat is out and makes cups of tea and meals as well as helping with the housework.

Pat, 67, has nominated Carol for our Pride of East Lancashire Neighbour of the Year Award.

She said: "Since my husband lost his leg she has been my rock. I would have been ill myself but for having Carol to help me.

"As busy as she is being a landlady nothing is too much trouble for her.

"Hardly a day has gone by in the last two and a half years where she has not called in our house. I would not have been able to manage without her."

Carol has run the Rochdale Road pub, four doors away from Derek and Pat, for 11 years and quickly became friends. When Derek went into hospital she stayed with Pat.

Twelve months later he was taken in for emergency surgery to save his right leg and again Carol was there for them.

Then five weeks ago Pat had to spend five days in hospital having kidney stones removed and Carol practically moved into their house.

Derek said: "She is a big help and a brilliant woman. I knew years ago that the leg would have to come off and although it hasn't stopped me going out it makes some things awkward.

"I have a false leg now but it takes me a while to move around and carrying things is difficult."

Carol said: "I think it is just being a friend. It works both ways and Pat and Derek are brilliant friends to me."

Thisislancashire's special Pride of East Lancashire section...

Nominations must be received by September 30.