Brave Les up for courage medal (From Stroud News and Journal)

Brave Les up for courage medal

BRAVE Stonehouse pensioner Les Pugh has been nominated for a prestigious award after being targeted by criminals three times in one year.

The well-known town resident, 89, was nominated for the Gloucestershire Medal of Courage by Stonehouse Town Council after enduring what he called "the worst year of my life".

But on Monday he modestly said he was "amazed" that his name had been put forward for the gong, awarded every year by Gloucestershire County Council.

On the first occasion his home was burgled, then crooks stole hundreds of pounds from his bank account.

But on a third occasion he stood up to another suspected confidence trickster and managed to turn him away.

To add to his dreadful year, Mr Pugh also suffered the loss of his beloved wife Peggy after 65 years of marriage.

In recognition of his courage, Stroud MP and Stonehouse Town Councillor David Drew suggested his nomination, which was warmly endorsed by fellow councillors.

"It was a big surprise - I am amazed," said Mr Pugh. "I do not think I did anything above what anybody else normally do.

"I think 2004 was the worst year of my life. It was a bad year - but I am still here."

The courageous pensioner will now have to wait until September 21 to find out if he has won a medal. Usually only two are awarded each year.

Any organisation or individual can nominate a Gloucestershire resident for the medals if they think they deserve recognition.

One medal is normally for either an act of gallantry or self-sacrifice, the other for moral courage and bravery.