Bravery is honoured

Brave and committed, unsung heroes from across the West Midlands became the pride of the region when they were honoured at a moving awards ceremony.

Touching stories of courage, dedication and community spirit saw tears flow at the annual Express & Star Local Heroes Awards held at Molineux.

Click here to see more pictures from the event.

The awards, now in their third year, are sponsored by Birmingham Midshires and Wolverhampton Wanderers and were attended by celebrities including Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, Wolverhampton-born Apprentice star Ruth Badger, George Cross recipient Lisa Potts, historian Carl Chinn and Wolves players.

Nine people from around the Black Country and Staffordshire were commended yesterday, as well as Wolverhampton police constables Geoff King and Karl Ansell, who were honoured last year but were unable to attend.

More than 80 people attended the event, compered by Professor Chinn, with emotions running high as the winners collected a special personalised framed front page of the newspaper and a cheque for £100.

This year's winners were Glyn Marston, of Willenhall; Rita Gibson, of West Bromwich; Ian Latimer, of Arley; Luke Garner, of Cannock; Les Dewsbury, of Wednesfield, and Roger Collins, of Finchfield; Jeni Rhoden, of Cannock; Danni Manley, of Wednesfield and Richard Jennings, of Tividale.

First up to collect their award from Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was well-known marathon runner and fundraiser Glyn Marston.

Mr Marston took up running in 1993 and has completed 65 marathons and 45 ultra-distance races.

Despite recently being given the devastating news that he can never run again after suffering irreparable damage to his right knee, he is now training as a wheelchair athlete.

The 44-year-old said: "I realised through running that there are people less fortunate and that I can help them. It is difficult because I was renowned for my running, but I'm having to start from the bottom with my wheelchair – I'm getting there though. I am choked to get this award."

Wolverhampton mayor Trudy Bowen presented 78-year-old Rita Gibson, of Park Crescent, with her accolade for her tireless work for the disabled.

Miss Gibson, who also received an MBE from Prince Charles this year, has been supporting West Bromwich's Disabled Action Committee for more than 30 years. She is also a member of the Carers' Group, a helper with New Horizons and former member of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service.

"I do this because it's life," she said. "I went to my first meeting in 1968 and haven't looked back since. People need us, they need help."

Following this year's devastating floods, volunteers having been working around the clock to restore the Severn Valley Railway to its former glory. Yesterday, Arley station master Ian Latimer picked up an award for his dedication – in an authentic station master's frock coat from 1922.

As the 62-year-old received his prize from Ruth Badger, his proud colleagues from Arley blew traditional train whistles.

He said: "I work hard to put back the heritage that this country has lost. This award is for all the volunteers at Severn Valley Railway."

Wolf radio station manager Richard Dodd and Wolves player Neill Collins presented an award, plus a personalised team shirt, to one of the stand-out stars of the night, 13-year-old Luke Garner of Cannock. The Chasetown Specialist Sports College pupil rolled an elderly neighbour in the snow after she ran terrified from her house in a ball of flames in February. The inspiring teenager, who despite being an Aston Villa fan still proudly pulled on the Wolves shirt, said: "When you look back on it now it's frightening, but at the time I just wanted to help.

"When she came out the door, I helped her to the floor, put snow on her and then fetched by mum and dad."

Luke's mother Anna beamed: "We are really proud of him."

Next up were Wolverhampton binmen Les Dewsbury, aged 52, and Roger Collins, 57, who have 64 years of combined service to the city. They were also named Collection Crew Of The Year for their unrelenting, first-class service to others.

They were given their prizes by Jason Robinson, head of savings operations at Birmingham Midshires, and Wolves player Graham Stack.

Professor Chinn told the audience of friends, family and supporters: "They really have put something back – it is so much more than a job to them."

Quick-thinking railway worker Jeni Rhoden, who saved the life of a man who lay helpless on the track at Hamstead Station, choked back tears as she collected her award from Heart FM host Steve Denyer and Wolves star Stephen Ward. The 44-year-old saved the man, who suffered head and ankle injuries after slipping on the track, by using an emergency hand signal to run up the track and stop the train that was hurtling towards him.

She said: "I was just doing my job. It's nice to be thanked and receive the award."

Nine-year-old Danni Manley was born with the rare condition hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means only the right side of the organ functions.

However, the youngster has shown tremendous courage by battling through a series of life-threatening operations.

Hero former nursery nurse Lisa Potts, who shielded children at St Luke's Primary in Blakenhall from a knife-wielding maniac 11 years ago, and Wolves favourite Michael Kightly presented the award to Danni, who told her parents she loved them while on stage. Mother Kim, aged 31, said: "We are so proud of her and think she deserves it after all she's been through."

The last of this year's winners was Lance Bombardier Richard Jennings, who was unable to attend.

L/Bdr Jennings, of the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, was awarded the Military Cross for trying to saving the lives of two of his fellow soldiers while under fire in Afghanistan.

His two colleagues were killed by the enemy fire but the 24-year-old showed "courage of the highest order" in trying to save them. A rousing round of applause echoed around the room in his honour.

The final pair on stage were Wolverhampton Pcs Geoff King and Karl Ansell. Last year, while on patrol as part of a blitz on car crime, Pc King was shot twice at close range after chasing 25-year-old Marcus Bailey, who was later jailed for life.

As 33-year-old Pc King lay injured, Pc Ansell helped to save his life. The pair were unable to attend last year's ceremony but picked up their awards this time around from Express & Star editor Adrian Faber and Wolves player Gary Breen.

Pc Ansell said: "It has been a difficult 12 months but we're getting there." Pc King added: "What happened has changed my life considerably. I'll never be the same man."

Speaking after the event, Mick McCarthy said: "I am delighted to be here, it has been a very humbling experience – absolutely fantastic. It is very emotional to hear these stories such as the police officer taking a bullet, little Danni Manley and Rita who has been going to meetings for more than 30 years. I am happy Wolves are a part of this."

Michael Kightly added: "It has been a great event. It's good to know there are so many people doing good things for the community."

Ruth Badger said: "All the winners are wonderful. It has been very humbling and really put things into perspective."

Lisa Potts said: "It was very important for me to be here today and it's great to see so many different types of people here."

Express & Star editor Adrian Faber described the ceremony as a "great success". "It was a wonderful opportunity for us to recognise and pay tribute to the unsung heroes of this area," he added.