NEIGHBOURS who have formed stronger bonds during lockdown are in the running to have where they live named Britain’s friendliest street.

East Linton’s Dunpender Road is flying the flag for Scotland as one 10 finalists in the UK-wide competition.

The 37 houses are through to a public vote to take the accolade, with the winners receiving a free copy of Leeds-based street art project In Good Company’s #PostersForThePeople art designs, which have been on display throughout the UK.

Mum-of-three Evie Thomas nominated the street after spotting the competition online.

She said: “We have a WhatsApp [mobile phone messaging] group to keep in touch. If anyone is going to the shop they tell us so they can get stuff for us to save multiple trips, sharing ingredients if people are short.

“VE Day treat packs were put together by lots of village members (some from our street) for the older residents and dropped off (dressed in 40s gear!) at their doorsteps.

“These included cakes and drawings from local kids. We had a social distancing VE Day street party on the Friday. Everyone out in their gardens waving to each other and music blaring!

“We have put stones and hearts out to cheer people up on their daily walk. And, of course, we are all out every Thursday clapping, banging pots and pans for the NHS.”

The teacher at Stoneyhill Primary School, in Musselburgh, has lived on the street for eight years after moving from Haddington.

Residents of the street are encouraging people to back them in the nationwide competition, as they currently sit fourth.

Evie said: “We were a friendly village/street before but this has brought us closer together. I have made friends with people in my street that I never knew before.”

Voting closes on Sunday. To support Dunpender Road, go to www.ingoodcompany.vote