TRUE Dunkirk spirit is certainly alive and well in Westhoughton after an army of neighbours decided to resurface their road.

Neighbours in Gladstone Street had been waiting to have the potholes filled in and, after waiting so long, did the job themselves.

This is the kind of community spirit the British are so well known for. Sadly we do not see that much of it these days.

We have perhaps become more selfish than we like to admit -- a "me" generation -- with thoughts only for ourselves.

We live in a time where many do not even know the names of their next door neighbours, and have not exchanged so much as a nod in greeting or a "hello" in the morning.

Many elderly residents are left to fend for themselves in a world where people are far too busy leading their own busy lives to bother, or even care, if a neighbour may need help. Or just a friendly chat.

Happily, this is not so in Gladstone Street and it is evident that its residents realise there is something to be said for sticking together.

In resurfacing their street they have the road they have waited so long for but, more than that, they have a strong community bond that can only enhance the lives of those living there.

The BEN applauds every single one of them.