A POST office manager who foiled armed raiders has been given the first Jill Dando Award for public service bravery.

Yet Mr Derek Hill (pictured) was kept in the dark about the honour, presented at a ceremony in London.

When he arrived at the Savoy for the annual Police Bravery Awards he found he was to be the only civilian to receive an accolade.

Mr Hill, 58, received the bronze rose, modelled on the rose named after Jill, at the ceremony. It was hosted by Jill's TV presenter colleague Nick Ross.

Surrounded by 46 of the bravest officers in the country, he was given the award yesterday week by Home Secretary Jack Straw.

It was in recognition of the day last July when Mr Hill captured an armed robber in his post office on Victoria Road in Blackley.

A gunman burst into the crowded shop and demanded money from a security guard making a cash delivery.

Mr Hill lunged at the robber and forced the gun barrel towards the ceiling. Two shots were fired as he ignored threats to shoot him.

The manager then punched the gunman in the stomach, making him drop the firearm. He trapped the man's leg in a counter security door and held on to him until police arrived.

Mr Hill was praised by the trial judge, who jailed the offender for 16 years, and later received a Chief Constable's Commendation. The Jill Dando Award is given by the Police Federation and The Sun, and endorsed by Jill's brother Nigel and her father Jack. It recognises those whose actions help the police and prevent crime.

The federation arranged for Mr Hill and his wife Gladys, of Park Avenue, Radcliffe, to stay at the Strand Palace Hotel.

Mr Hill commented: "It wasn't like the Oscars, but it was still unbelievable - to meet people like the Home Secretary who you only see on the TV. These are not the sort of circles I mix in normally!

"I am pleased, but I wish it had been awarded under happier circumstances instead of in memory of a girl cruelly murdered."

Mr Hill is still manager at the post office and has received an award from his employers.

He said: "Over time it fades a bit but you never forget the incident. Had he not been caught, or got off, I would feel a bit different about it, but you don't think about it at the time."

Mr Hill has given TV and radio interviews and been asked by LWT to appear in a show about brave people.

Fred Broughton, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, told the Savoy gathering: "It gives us great pleasure to present the Jill Dando Award to Mr Hill who was exceptionally brave in circumstances where he could easily have been killed."

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