BRAVERY, courage and dedication were rewarded this week when VIPs presented awards to have-a-go heroes and dedicated police officers.

Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Eunice Smethurst, her Consort and husband, Harry, County Commander George Almond, and Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Michael Todd presented commendations for bravery on Monday along with long service and good conduct awards.

Special Constables Sean Prescott and Simon O'Brien and jeweller Roy Bibby received the Chief Constable's High Commendation for their extreme courage and bravery when they confronted an armed man who had attempted to commit a robbery.

In January last year, a masked man entered Leigh Jewellery on Queen Street in Leigh and threatened a shop assistant with a handgun. Roy Bibby struggled with the man, who threatened to shoot him, and they both fell to the floor.

Rob Ralphson, who owns premises in Queen Street, entered the shop after having earlier witnessed the offender behaving suspiciously outside, grabbed the gunman and after a violent struggle removed the weapon from his hand.

Special Constables O'Brien and Prescott who were patrolling Leigh town centre arrived at the scene and detained the offender.

Leigh man Michael Jones also received the Chief Constable's High.