Heroes honoured at awards

Inspirational stories of bravery, fortitude and selflessness were shared during an emotional ceremony to honour unsung heroes from across the West Midlands.

Ten worthy winners took to the stage in front of a star-studded audience at Molineux to be honoured for their bravery and contributions to society at the sixth annual Local Heroes awards, organised by the Express & Star, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham Midshires.

Brave Bethany Jordan melted the hearts of the audience, which included Wolves players and manager Mick McCarthy, when she bounded on stage to collect her award.

The bubbly six-year-old, of High Park Avenue in Wollaston, was born with five spleens, a back-to-front liver, two left lungs and a stomach on the wrong side.

Bethany was serenaded by X Factor girl group Belle Sorelle, who hail from Kinver and Stourbridge, on stage when she collected her award.

Wheelchair-bound 19-year-old Ryan Cockbill was also honoured for his personal courage after being left paralysed in a swimming pool accident three years ago.

The sports-loving teenager, of Ravenhurst Drive in Great Barr, battled to overcome physical and mental trauma and now plays wheelchair rugby for Wolverhampton Rhinos while also currently being the West Midlands' junior shooting champion. He also has his sights set on becoming a Paralympic gold medallist in 2012.

Ryan was presented with his framed Express & Star special front page and a cheque from Birmingham Midshires from Radio WM presenter Joanne Malin, who said he was an inspiration.