Boy hero to receive posthumous award

Christopher Vince died after being crushed by a tree

A 12-year-old boy who died after pushing his older brother to safety from the path of a falling tree is due to be awarded a posthumous honour.

The family of Christopher Vince, of Costessey, near Norwich, were due on Wednesday to receive an award from the Royal Humane Society on behalf of their son.

Christopher died in October 2002 after being crushed by a beech tree near his home.

The family dog, a Border Collie named Jack, also died in the accident which happened as strong winds swept across East Anglia.

Warning yelled

The youngster was walking with his 16-year-old brother Benjamin, his 10-year-old sister Jessica, another girl and the family dog.

Benjamin later told police that they heard a crashing noise.

At that moment, Christopher yelled a warning and pushed him out of the path of the falling tree.

Norfolk police Chief Constable Andy Hayman was due to present the Royal Humane Society "In Memoriam" Award to Christopher's parents, Sandra and Jonathan.

Christopher has already received a posthumous Children of Courage Award from the Woman's Own Magazine.