Five local heroes have received Mayor’s Commendation awards, including a teenager who performed life-saving first aid, a man who thwarted a handbag snatcher, and three environmental champions.

Melanie Shooter, who had received first aid training as part of her Army Cadet activities, was nominated by Helen Sisson, Mansfield District Council’s marketing and communications manager.

The teenager, as reported in the NewsJournal earlier this year, rushed to the aid of a man who collapsed in the town centre after his heart stopped.

She performed CPR until an ambulance crew arrived and then looked after the man’s distraught wife and daughter.

The Mayor of Mansfield, Kate Allsop, told her: “I am so proud of your quick actions that day; you did a very brave thing in acting so quickly on the training you have received.”

Another have-a-go hero, Soficul Choudhury, was nominated by the police after he gave chase on foot when a woman had her handbag snatched by a thief on a bicycle outside Wynndale Primary School, Mansfield.

The robber escaped empty-handed after Soficul’s persistent pursuit and shouting led to him dropping the bag, which was later returned by Soficul to its extremely grateful owner.

The mayor said: “You saw the crime and you acted on your instinct, which was extremely brave of you.”

Community litter-pickers Paul and Brenda Holt were nominated for their exceptional work since retiring in keeping their community clean.

The mayor said: “They both regularly patrol the local nature walks in all weathers to make sure they are clear for others to enjoy.”

Another environmental champion, Colin Etches, of Maun Conservation Group, was nominated by Coun Kevin Brown for his tireless work to highlight the health and well-being benefits of green spaces.

He visits schools and children’s organisations to encourage youngsters to learn about the great outdoors.

The mayor told him: “Your many hours of volunteering are very much appreciated and I wanted to give you this award as a thank-you for all you have done.”

The Mayor’s Commendations are awarded to a person or a community group for going the extra mile for Mansfield. Anyone can make a nomination.

Email [email protected], giving reasons why the nominee should be commended.

Above: Melanie Shooter (centre) with the Mayor of Mansfield, Kate Allsop, and Helen Sisson (right).