Medals for courage honour bravery

Two medals for courage have been presented by the Lord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire, Henry Elwes, at a ceremony at Shire Hall in Gloucester.

One was awarded to Robert Kuczaj for bravery after he helped save the life of a man trapped in a burning car.

Sophie Parke was presented with one for moral courage after passing her GCSEs despite suffering heart problems.

The medals are awarded each year to local people who have shown acts of bravery or courage in the community.

Mr Kuczaj and Ms Parke received their medals in a ceremony on Friday.

The Gloucestershire medal of courage was initiated over 30 years ago by the late Sir Charles Irving, former MP for Cheltenham and an Honorary Alderman of the County Council.

The County Council administer the scheme but the awards are decided by a committee whose members have no direct connection with the authority.

Gloucestershire residents submit the nominations to the county council.