A TEENAGER who twice helped a distressed girl and potentially saved a man’s life has been honoured for his community spirit.

Nick Robinson, 17, from Blackhill, Consett, has won a police Young Heroes Award.

In February, he was upstairs on a double decker bus travelling home from Durham when he heard a lot of commotion and shouting coming from downstairs.

When he went down there was a upset young girl with an older lady trying to calm her down.

Nick calmly approached her and quietly reassured her that he wanted to help, before calming her down.

He told her that the police were on their way and not to be frightened because everybody wanted to help her. The police arrived and Nick left the bus.

Three months later he was walking through Blackhill and Consett Park when he saw two men walking towards him, they were both looking across at something in the bushes however they carried on walking.

As he got closer he could see, and hear, a young girl in the bushes. She was crying and banging her head on a tree.

As Nick got closer, he realised, it was the girl from the bus.

This time, however, she was not accepting any help or reassurance from Nick who called the police, and left when they arrived.

Last month, he saw some legs sticking out on to the pavement at the bottom of the park.

He was fearing the worst as he approached and found a young man lying on his back.

Nick checked his airway and made sure he was breathing.

He then tried to put the man into the recovery position but was unable to do so as he was too heavy.

Nick remained with him to ensure he was not at risk of choking on his own vomit.

He rang 999 and left quietly when the police arrived.

Inspector, Keith Wardle said: “I wish Nick well for the future and would like to thank him again for his intervention at all of the incidents, one of which has potentially saved a life.

“Keep up the great work.”