Conwy postman receives UK bravery award

A Llanfairfechan postman, who helped rescue two pensioners from a house fire, has been recognised in an UK-wide award for postmen who go beyond the call of duty.

Stephen Jones, 46, had already been named Welsh Hero Postman, for his heroism last October.

On Sunday he travelled to London where he received his national Award - £1,000 and a glass trophy.

Mr Jones said he was amazed and honoured by the award.

Speaking about the incident he said: "I have lived in the village all my life, so I knew the owners and did what anyone else would have done and ran over to help out."

The bravery award was shared with postman Vinny Earl, from Droylsden, Greater Manchester, who twice rushed into a burning house to save a childhood friend after a gas explosion.

The overall Postman of the Year Award went to charity founder, fundraiser and race organiser, James Macdonald, from Lancing in Sussex .

Following the ceremony TV presenter Christine Bleakley said: "In the UK, our postmen and woman are a group of very remarkable people who contribute so much to our society.

"Their acts of kindness, fundraising and commitment to volunteering, make a real difference to the local communities where they live and work," she added.

Royal Mail managing director, Mark Higson, said: "Because our people make daily deliveries to all 28 million addressed in the UK they will often be the first to discover an accident, fire, or someone taken ill, and are quick to respond."