THE hero of London Bridge who was stabbed nine times as, armed with just a police baton, he fought off three terrorists has called on Bolton people to nominate an unsung hero of their own.

British Transport Police Officer Wayne Marques said bravery and courage should be recognised because it is inspiring and encouraging to others.

He said: “Every tragedy has a silver lining and it is up to us to make sure that silver shines.”

Wayne, 39, who won the Against All Odds category in last year’s global hearing specialists Amplifon’s Brave Britons awards, charged at one of the terrorists on the June 3 night of the attack last year, lashing out with his baton. He was stabbed above his right eye and was temporarily blinded.

Now Wayne is calling on people who know of acts of courage or bravery to nominate them for this year’s Amplifon – which has a store in Bradshawgate, Bolton – Brave Briton awards.

He said: “I first felt surprised and then humble when I was nominated by a person I didn’t even know. We need more people honoured in the way I was because there are a lot of people out there who go beyond what is expected of them for the sake of others."

To nominate a hero in any of the categories go to amplifon.com Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony to be held at the Army and Navy Club, Pall Mall, London, on Tuesday, October 16.