A TEN-year-old boy who challenged a group of youths threatening an elderly woman has received a police commendation for bravery.
Joshua Rains, from Aslockton, was passing Aslockton railway station on Sunday, October 10 last year when he spotted a car stuck on the level crossing.
He went to offer his help, but a group of youths loitering at the station started verbally abusing him.
Doreen Stripling, 80, who lives near the level crossing, appeared at the scene and one of the youths, Benjamin Parker, started to threaten her.
After telling Parker to leave her alone, Joshua was then subjected to another torrent of abuse.
Police were called by local residents and arrested Parker when they arrived. The car was moved from the crossing safely.
Based on witness statements, including Joshua's, Parker, 25, from Aslockton, pleaded guilty to a public order offence and was given a 12-month community punishment order plus 40 hours' unpaid work.
Now Joshua has been presented with a British Transport Police commendation for his bravery by North Eastern Area Commander Terry Nicholson at Nottingham railway station.
"I was not really scared," said Joshua, a Year 6 pupil at Archbishop Cranmer C of E School in Aslockton.
"They were saying bad words to me. I don't think they were nice."
On being told he was getting a commendation the youngster, who turns 11 this Friday, added: "I was very happy. My friends still don't know about this."
Joshua's mother Lucy Rains, 38, who has five other sons and a daughter, said: "Josh told me he doesn't like elderly people being made fun of.
"If he sees elderly people needing help, he stops to help them. I'm very proud of him. Two of Josh's older brothers said they would not have done what he did."
Commander Nicholson said: "When news of this incident unfolded, I said 'I want to meet Joshua'.
"For a young lad to stand up to older youths like this is quite something. I think there's a future in the police service for him."
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