A PRESTWICH ambulanceman received an award for his bravery after rescuing a man from the top of a 150 foot chimney. Malcolm Sidebottom (27), of Hilltop Avenue, was called to a factory in Cheetham where he climbed to the top of the chimney in pitch darkness to reach a man who had been overcome by fumes.

ALSO receiving an award for his bravery was Whitefield man Roy Henshall (32). Mr Henshall was enjoying a day at the Clarence Lido in Bury when he rescued a young boy from the bottom of the pool. He gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until the eight-year-old recovered.

BUILDERS were annoyed to discover they could no longer deposit their trade rubbish at Prestwich tip. Greater Manchester Council banned them from using the tip after at least 25 years and told them to use Stretford instead.

POLICE had to escort pupils to and from a special school in Whitefield following repeated attacks by a gang of youths. The school, in Ripon Avenue, had been plagued by intimidation tactics by the gang, including banging on doors and windows while the youngsters were inside. Also one boy had been physically attacked.