A PROFESSIONAL golfer who was beaten up after confronting two car vandals has been honoured by the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Michael Todd.

Modest hero Michael Halliwell received the Chief Constable's Commendation for his courage and bravery in a special ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall.

But the 29-year-old, who works at Whitefield Golf Club, shrugged off his actions as "nothing special".

Last December Mr Halliwell returned home from a Christmas party in the early hours of the morning.

On hearing his car alarm go off, and several others in the street where he lives, in Middleton, Mr Halliwell looked out and saw two young men acting suspiciously. They had damaged at least 15 vehicles.

While a neighbour contacted the police Mr Halliwell calmly followed the vandals, then gave chase when they realised they were being trailed.

Even when he lost sight of the pair, Mr Halliwell was undeterred and flagged down a passing taxi to continue the chase. When the vandals disappeared out of sight once more, Mr Halliwell got out of the taxi and searched for them on foot before coming face-to-face with them at the rear of some flats.

Mr Halliwell was punched several times, dragged to the floor and viciously punched and kicked in his head and back.

He suffered two broken ribs, bruising to the back of his head and a cut under his eye.

"I was covered in blood but I managed to get up off the floor and get away," said Mr Halliwell, who is pictured with his award. "I didn't think for one minute about what I was doing, I just knew the police were on their way."

Police officers arrested two youths at the scene.

Mr Halliwell, who also plays golf at Stand Golf Club, said: "I only meant to follow them, and two other neighbours joined in the chase. I didn't expect it to go so far. I don't think I did anything special."

Chief Constable Michael Todd said: "There are lots of occasions when people do public spirited things but this guy used his common sense. Even when they realised they were being followed, he still carried on. I am pleased he has recovered and I am really proud of him. I might just have to recruit him as a special constable!"

In March one of the defendants appeared before Rochdale Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to assault, four counts of criminal damage and a further 21 matters of damage to vehicles taken into consideration. He received 80 hours community punishment, 12 months community rehabilitation and ordered to pay Mr Halliwell £340 compensation.