A COURAGEOUS Rubery man received top honours recognising his actions during a vicious armed robbery, at a ceremony held yesterday (Tuesday).

Martyn Palmer was presented with the Queen's Gallantry Medal at West Mercia Police headquarters at Hindlip Hall, Worcester.

He was nominated for the medal following his bravery during an armed robbery at The Manchester Inn in Romsley on August 18, 1999.

It was 11pm and Martyn, who had just finished work at the pub, was sitting at the bar when two masked men walked in.

One of the men was carrying an iron bar and the other a handgun. The gunman fired a shot at the floor and then held the weapon to the neck of the manager, forcing him to hand over £500.

He then grabbed two women and demanded more money, before turning on the customers, ordering them to empty their pockets. They snatched some bottles of spirits and ran to the car park.

Martyn believed the gun was an air pistol, which gave him the confidence to chase the men. He grabbed the gunman while the man with the iron bar made it to the car. He was hit several times while the driver of the car tried to punch Martyn. Eventually the gunman managed to grab the car door and he was dragged along the road with Martyn hanging on for a short while.

Martyn was taken to hospital suffering with minor injuries to his head and nose.

The car was found the next day in Rubery with a number of items in it including the masks.

On August 20, 1999, two men were arrested and charged with the armed robbery. One was sentenced to six years in prison and the other fled to the Republic of Ireland while on bail.

Following lengthy proceedings the second man was sentenced to ten years in prison this year.

DS Gary Rowe and DCI Steve Walters nominated Martyn for the medal and Worcester's Lord Lieutenant Michael Brinton presented it.

"Martyn showed real bravery and persistence in trying to detain this man and kept holding onto him despite the fact that he was being hit and the man had a gun," said DS Rowe.

"I am really please that Martyn has been awarded this medal as he really deserves it."