It was champagne all round in East Barnet's Railway Tavern after air cadets Wayne Maynard and James Topping were named as this year's Roll of Honour winners for Barnet.

The duo, who were nominated by the Times Group for the award, will be honoured at a special ceremony in Westminster today.

Wayne, 18, of Barnet was killed in an RAF coach crash which seriously injured his friend James in August last year. Susan Maynard, Wayne's mum, said: "Both of them deserved the award for everything they have been through. Wayne used to go into the Railway Tavern in Station Road so I bought two bottles of champagne. I put a coin in each cork for good luck one for Wayne and one for James."

Months after the fatal crash, it emerged Wayne had walked away from another nasty 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. "He would have been very proud and I am very proud of him. It's quite an emotional award to receive I got all choked when they told me," Mrs Maynard added.

James Topping, 16, 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. James is now back at Mill Hill High School and on Saturday went gliding for the first time since the crash.

"We are thrilled it is absolutely wonderful," said his mum Maureen. "I think he won because he has been, brave, determined and never complained or said 'Why me?'

"He is an inspiration to all of us. He pushes himself to the limit and he is still doing that. With school, which is pretty tough for him, he wants to meet all the deadlines and not receive any special treatment."

James said: "I think it is surprising that I managed to get the award but I am pleased. I think it is great that Wayne has been given an award as well."

James will receive his award and Mrs Maynard will collect Wayne's this afternoon at 1 Whitehall Place in Westminster. Mrs Maynard will also take part in the New Year's Day Parade through London. James is unable to attend.

December 12, 2001 17:50

IAN LLOYD