There were tears as Susan Maynard collected a silver salver on behalf of Wayne, the son she lost so tragically in a coach crash last year.

During an emotional afternoon at a glittering occasion at 1 Whitehall Place, Westminster, Mrs Maynard paid tribute to Wayne who is the joint winner of Barnet's place in the Roll of Honour parade which will honour London's unsung heroes on New Year's Day.

"It was a very touching ceremony," said Mrs Maynard. "I was very proud and honoured to receive this award on his behalf and I shed a few tears of happiness. It's something a lot nicer than what we have been through with the court case over the last few weeks."

Wayne was killed in a coach crash which seriously injured his fellow air cadet James Topping in August last year. Coach driver Jeannette Morris, 48, of Stamford, Lincolnshire, was last month convicted of three charges of causing death by dangerous driving.

Months after the fatal crash, it emerged Wayne had walked away from another road accident just weeks before. As a passenger in an out-of-control car, he fought to steer it clear of a toddler and the child's grandfather after the driver suffered an epileptic fit.

Both survived and onlookers and Wayne's family believe he may have saved their lives.

James, 16, said: "I think Wayne would have liked the award ceremony but he is here with us he is here somewhere."

James has pushed himself to the limit to battle back to health following a series of operations. He spent months in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, after suffering severe head injuries in the crash. He is now back at Mill Hill High School.

His mum, Maureen, has decided to cut short a family holiday to attend the New Year's Day Parade through London with the other Roll of Honour winners. Mrs Maynard and James will be given VIP status when they step out in the parade.

"We weren't going to be able to attend but I have changed my mind because this is a once in a lifetime honour so we are coming home early," she said. "James has risen to the occasion and it has brought him out a bit."

James added: "I'm well pleased that I have been chosen as a hero. It has been a great day and getting the silver salver was the best thing."

Carers, charity workers and cancer survivors were among the winners at Thursday's ceremony.

December 17, 2001 16:50

IAN LLOYD