A BRAVE security guard who tackled a bank robber who claimed to have a bomb strapped to him has been honoured in a special ceremony.

Lee Walsh, together with his family, were guests at Bolton Crown Court where the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Robina Shah presented him with a certificate of commendation and reward.

The Honorary Recorder of Bolton Judge Timothy Clayson described 47-year-old Mr Walsh’s actions at the TSB Bank on Derby Street, Bolton, on July 11 last year as “brave and public spirited”.

The judge continued: “Mr Walsh got the man onto the floor and detained him until police arrived, not knowing whether a device, which the man had with him was, or was not, capable of exploding.

“This was courageous and selfless conduct.”

As well as the certificate of commendation Mr Walsh was handed a reward of £300 from public funds.

Judge Clayson added: "Events in this court room are usually not noted for their happiness, but this is a happy occasion."

The award comes after Khalid Yusuf, who has mental health problems, was tackled by Mr Walsh who kept hold of him until police arrived.

In March, at court Judge Clayson made a hospital order, detaining Khalid Yusuf under the Mental Health Act until he is well.

Yusuf, aged 38, had walked into the TSB Bank with, what appeared to be, a trigger device attached to his wrist.

He had used clear plastic wrapping to strap a circular piece of plastic, later identified as the bottom of a torch, to his chest and used headphone cables to give the impression of wires and a bomb.

Yusuf demanded £1,000 from shocked cashier Jean Webster, telling her: "Give me the money or I'll blow it."

But, fortunately, G4S security guard Lee Walsh was in the bank at the time delivering cash. He overheard the demand and sprang into action.

Mr Walsh grabbed Yusuf by his top, pinned him to the counter and then knocked Yusuf's legs from under him.

The would-be robber was pinned, face down, on the floor by Mr Walsh who pressed his own panic button and then dialled 999.

It was later established that Yusuf was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia at the time, exacerbated by drug use.

Dr Shah praised Mr Walsh commenting: “He showed great bravery and courage at a very challenging time. It illustrates that, as a society, we have citizens who have integrity and humanity and just want to do their best.”

Mr Walsh’s proud 11-year-old daughter Gracie was allowed time off school to go to the ceremony, which was also attended by his sister, Kelly Keohane and her husband, Michael, his aunt, Linda Hindley and uncle Christopher Walsh.

Gracie said afterwards that she was proud of her dad, but he is always a hero to her.

Mr Walsh said he had been more nervous attending the ceremony than he had been tackling the robber.

“I didn’t expect all this at all,” he said.

"I didn't think there would be so many people and thought it would be over in a couple of minutes.

“But I am happy that the court has acknowledged what happened.”

He described the judge and high sheriff as "approachable and quite nice".

Mr Walsh, from Hunger Hill, says he just acted on instinct when faced with the robbery in the bank and would probably do the same in similar circumstances.

“I can’t do nothing,” he said. “I would have been more upset if I hadn’t done anything.”