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date 14 August 1997 source Railtrack plc type Press release
Railtrack signalman Robin Richards has received a top award after saving a girl from a group of teenage thugs.
A signaller for 28 years, Robin came to the rescue when he noticed a gang of youths chastising a 17 year-old girl on Bebington Station on the Wirral.
'I was waiting for the train to take me to work when I noticed a gang of teenagers picking on a young girl. They had been demanding money from her and then started to beat her up, whilst other people on the platform just looked on,' explained Robin, who lives in Birkenhead.
But the group of teenage tearaways had reckoned without the gallant signalman, who pulled them off the girl before chasing them off the platform.
Said Robin: 'I then got on the train with the girl and made sure she was alright until she got off at the next stop. Being a father of two daughters myself I was obviously concerned for the girl's safety.'
And on Monday (11 August), the reluctant hero was rewarded for his brave efforts when Director of Railtrack's North West Zone Chris Leah presented him with the company's recognition of achievement award at Railhouse in Manchester.
Commented Mr Leah: 'Railtrack applauds Robin's actions in coming to the aid of this young girl, whilst others just looked on. He is a credit to both the company and himself.'
