EVERY now and then a story emerges reminding you how stoic older people can be.

Margaret Brockie, aged 74, was abused by a gang of bikers and spattered in mud rather than let them ride into a Bolton park and endanger other people walking their dogs.

She confronted the three men on off-road bikes, stopping them from crossing a footbridge into Moses Gate Country Park, in spite of strong abuse. At one, point one of them rode his bike until it touched her knee but still she would not get out of their way and stood firm, with two other dog walkers, to block their path.

This was a frightening situation for anyone and Miss Brockie, who later reported the incident to the police, showed great bravery. Off-road bikers can be a nuisance and a danger. Fortunately, they had never come across someone as determined and fearless as Miss Brockie.