CAMPAIGNING journalist Don Hale has won a victory for the older generation after scooping a British Gold Hero Award.

The awards are sponsored by the SAGA Group and aim to honour individuals in the over fifties generation who display bravery and endurance.

Don, who is the former editor of the Bury Messenger and used to live in Prestwich, fought for eight years to clear the name of Stephen Downing over the murder of typist Wendy Sewell.

He took up the battle for Stephen's freedom, he was released last year after serving 27 years, while editor at the Matlock Mercury in Derbyshire.

Over the years the 50-year-old has received death threats, threatening phone calls and narrowly missed being mown down by a car.

Creator of the awards, James Murray, said of the medal winners, who are all aged from 50 to 78: "They are a marvellous, sparkling bunch of people. Every one of them is an optimist. It never seems to occur to them that they are too old to take risks. They really are an inspiration."