'Extraordinary' unsung heroes hailed at outstanding citizen awards

Millie Dee was honoured by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson at his outstanding citizens awards ceremony.

The 15-year-old came face-to-face with a crook - who was armed with a bag of tools - on the stairs of her home.

Her bravery led him to flee after she yelled at him to 'get out of my house' at the top of her voice.

She also made sure her 12-year-old sister Amber was safe in a bedroom upstairs before calmly calling 999 for the police, giving officers the 'most detailed and precise description of an offender' they had heard.

At the ceremony on Wednesday, Millie was named outstanding young citizen.

She said: "It was a massive shock to be nominated for something like this and to have won feels amazing.

"At the time I knew that I just had to get my priorities clear and take care of my sister, something just takes over you."

Mr Jamieson said: "In this age of celebrity there are those who are quietly going about doing things for others - and those are the real celebrities.

"These people this evening have given up their time in extraordinary ways."

Other unsung heroes from across the Midlands were given their moment in the spotlight at a glitzy ceremony held at The Rep in Birmingham.

Mr Jamieson welcomed winners and runners up from three award categories – Outstanding Citizen, Outstanding Young Citizen and Outstanding Community Project.

The Outstanding Citizen award went to 94-year-old volunteer Mary Harvey from Kingstanding, who goes on daily litter picks and builds bridges within the community

The runners up were Jon Mansell, from Halesowen, and mother and daughter Becki Peach and Hannah Matthews, from Willenhall.

Jon runs a support group for men struggling with depression and addiction called Ex Boozehounds.

Becki and Hannah were recognised for their bravery after they saved a man's life when he threatened to jump from a motorway bridge last year.

Becki, a 46-year-old retired mental health nurse, said: "Since being nominated and being in the press we have become celebrities in our local area. It has been crazy.

"Yet I did what I did because that's the sort of person I am. My training and background really came into play as if I hadn't had that then who knows if things could have been different."

Outstanding Community Project was awarded to Box Clever, the non-contact youth club run by former World Champion boxer Wayne Elcock in Solihull.

Runners up were Wolverhampton Street Pastors and The What? Centre in Stourbridge.

Carol Wootton, business manager at The What? Centre, said: "This is wonderful. I am proud that our work has been recognised."

Awards were also presented to custody visitors for their service.

Mr Jamieson said: "These are the ones who make a difference. They do a terrific job and it shows you are never too young or too old to make a contribution."

Ashley Bertie, assistant West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "It is extremely humbling to witness these citizens take to the stage."