We're backing Barry!
Superhero Street sweeper, Barry Snowdon, is officially the bravest council worker in the country! Read on to find out more about Barry's amazing story.
The awards were held at the International Conference Centre, Harrogate on Thursday
Barry won the Bravery category of the Local Government Council Worker of the Year Awards after he narrowly averted a potential disaster.
TV star Noel Edmonds, who honoured Barry earlier in the year on his Sky1 show Noel's HQ, commented: "Barry is a fantastic inspiration for everyone who believes that if we are to improve British society we must all take unselfish action and display a greater respect and responsibility for each other."
Last summer, the Mansfield District Council worker was carrying out his normal rounds in Warsop when he saw a private highways truck containing high-pressure gas bottles and other highly flammable items on fire only yards away from the BP petrol station on Sherwood Street in Warsop.
Whilst others were in a state of panic; quick-witted Barry ran to the rescue, grabbed a fire extinguisher from the garage forecourt and successfully fought the flames single-handedly, sustaining burns to his arms in the process.
Given the cargo of the vehicle and with the petrol station so close, it's thought that Barry's actions could have averted a major disaster and saved lives!
At the time, modest Barry said: "I could see the lorry was in danger of exploding and just did what anyone would have done – my instincts were to get the fire out as quickly as possible."
And this was not the first time Barry's heroics have landed him in the spotlight; in March 2007, Barry chased and caught a handbag thief, holding the robber down until the police arrived.
The handbag was returned to its grateful owner and the thief's 'brush' with Barry ended in arrest and landed him with a three-month prison sentence.
Martyn Thurman, Head of Operations at Mansfield District Council, is supporting the 'Backing Barry' campaign: "Barry really is an asset to or district. Not only does he keep the streets of Warsop clean, he also helps keep them safe."
"In putting out the fire on the highways tanker last summer, he gave no thought to his personal safety and averted a catastrophe which could have cost lives."
"I would encourage everyone in the district of Mansfield to unite and vote for Barry in this campaign – he really deserves this award!"
BBC radio and television presenter, Jeremy Vine, who hosted the awards ceremony in Harrogate on 2 July, commented: "These awards are fantastic because they show the standards that are being set by people who really understand what public service is."