A SCHOOLBOY will today step up to receive a bravery award.

The 14-year-old witnessed a burglary at a pensioner's home in Billingham, Teesside. He then endured intimidating threats from the teenage burglar to give crucial evidence at a subsequent court case.

His testimony led the intruder to plead guilty before being placed in local authority care.

The youngster who testified will today receive a certificate of good citizenship from Cleveland Chief Constable Barry Shaw.

Also receiving awards are: police constables Paul Davies and John Wilkinson, who will be awarded chief constables' commendations for rescuing an unconscious man from his burning Redcar flat.

Special Constable Richard Hedley climbed into a blazing house at Ragworth, Stockton, and carried a 75-year-old woman to safety. He will receive a similar commendation at a ceremony at Cleveland Police headquarters.

Off duty constable Malcolm Anderson broke several ribs in a struggle with a man spotted tampering with cars. He and Leslie Betts, who came to his aid, will receive assistant chief constables' commendations.

Assistant chief constables commendations are also being presented to constables June Campbell and Ged Hegarty whose work resulted in five people receiving sentences at Teesside Crown Court for supplying Class A drugs.