Readers may recall the story featured in The Journal last September of six teenagers from Midsomer Norton, who spotted a woman in distress at the Clifton Observatory and ended up assisting a police officer in the process. They received much recognition for their efforts, including being presented with an award at Midsomer Norton Town Hall – but most recently, the boys have been presented with one of the first Police and Crime Commissioner Awards by the PCC herself, Sue Mountstevens.

The extraordinary group of friends – Harrison Hacker, Brandan Steel, Bradley Hale, Olly Brown, Jacob Derrick and Josh Swarbrick, all aged seventeen at the time, have been amazed by the attention their actions have received. They said: “We have never experienced anything like this before, and it is a memory that will stay with us forever.

“We didn’t really think anything of our actions; we hope it is what anyone would do in that situation.”

Two of the friends picked up the awards from the Police and Fire Headquarters in Portishead, before being invited to have lunch with the PCC and Chief Constable, Andy Marsh, followed by a tour of the communications centre where ‘999’ calls are received.

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “It is always humbling to see the dedication, bravery and hard work of the many people living amongst us. They are the unsung heroes who continually go that extra mile to keep the communities of Avon and Somerset safer and stronger. It is always a joy to meet them and hear their stories.

“I am proud to say that all of these winners have made a lasting impact on the lives of Avon and Somerset residents, and I am grateful to every single one of them for their efforts.”

Other award winners included lorry driver Dawn Leonard, who put her own life at risk following the illness of another driver at the wheel; Volunteer Police Cadet, Lucy Fudge; Emergency Call Handler, Claire Bounds; PC Amanda Patterson, for her dedication to tackling anti-social behaviour in her community; Daniel Mackenzie, for his efforts in apprehending a prolific burglar; Emma Woods, for her sefless devotion to helping and fundraising for those with Alzheimer’s; Great Western Air Ambulance charity volunteers, Phil Hogarth and Jenny James; Gareth Williams for setting up crime prevention schemes and helping the homeless; Sue Williams for helping her community and PC Julie Rudyard, who saved a life by performing CPR until an ambulance arrived.