A milkman who helped to save the life of a Jewish pensioner who collapsed in a hedge has received an award.
George Debesay was on his delivery round in north-west London last winter when he spotted an object in the darkness. Stopping his float to investigate, he found an unconscious elderly man.

Mr Debesay immediately rang volunteers from the Shomrim community security group for assistance. Doctors said his actions had saved the pensioner’s life.

The Eritrea-born milkman, who works for the kosher Charedi Dairies company, regularly assists Shomrim by looking out for suspicious activity while on his early-morning rounds.

He was presented with the organisation’s first Exemplary Citizen Award at its Chanucah party in Golders Green on Tuesday evening. Charedi Dairies director Eli Stern said: “George is a helping hand for the Shomrim, a good neighbourhood watch man.”

Around 50 people attended the celebration, including police chaplain Rabbi Alan Plancey and Barnet’s deputy borough commander, Superintendent Mark Strugnell.