A DEVOTED Accrington husband has been named a Hyndburn Hero after a search for the borough's most caring residents.

Nigel Heap, 42, was nominated by his wife in a community competition organised by Springhill Care Home.

Earlier this year the home appealed for members of the public to put forward names they felt were worthy of becoming a Hyndburn Hero, to celebrate the Fairfield Street facility's 21st birthday.

Nigel's wife, Margaret, immediately entered his name, in secret. Now Nigel, of Burnley Road, has been declared the winner, and is set to spend a night at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel with Margaret as a reward.

Margaret, 40, suffers from multiple sclerosis, and revealed how her doting husband carries out all the day-to-day tasks she struggles with, and expects no thanks in return.

She said: "I saw the advert and said it just sounds like Nigel. He said 'that's not for me' but I thought I needed to tell him all his work is appreciated."

Modest Nigel works full time as a technical manager at local firm WH Goods Instrumentation.

He said: "I don't think I deserve an award. Any husband or wife would do it - if you have to care for somebody you just do it.

"I was surprised to hear I had won, but it's nice. At the end of the day you just get on with it and you never expect anything for it."

As well as working he cares for Margaret, takes charge of household chores and looks after their two teenage children, Michael, 15, and Natalie, 14.

Margaret said: "He works full time and he still manages to nip home at dinner. He takes a lot of pressure off me."

Nigel will receive his award on Thursday, at Springhill Care Home.