Kathleen Edwards, 70, has received a police commendation for her bravery in pulling one of the four youths off the bus driver during the vicious attack in which he was kicked and assaulted by the gang.

Mrs Edwards, who walks with the aid of a stick due to crippling arthritis, intervened on October 19 last year when trouble flared as she travelled on a bus back to Lancaster from Preston, where she had been playing bingo.

Four boys got on the bus but were asked to leave by the driver at Bilsborrow when they began to cause problems.

When one tried to steal the cash container he was stopped by the driver who held on to him only to be assaulted by the other three.

It was then that Mrs Edwards, of Lancaster, went to the driver's assistance and dragged one of the teenagers off him as he was lying on the floor.

Mrs Edwards was taken to hospital with bruising to the face after the attack. It also exacerbated an arthritic condition in her shoulder, which was due to be replaced by surgeons at the Royal Preston Hospital on Wednesday. (MAY 14)

After receiving her award from Chief Supt Tim Jacques at a special Lancaster Town Hall ceremony, she said: "I am over the moon to get this award, I wasn't expecting it at all.

"It was scary but I didn't really stop to think about my own safety, I couldn't let them get away with it. If it happened again I would do the same.

"I've seen the driver since and he said 'I owe my life to you'. It's lucky the youths had trainers on and not shoes."

Det Con Carl Pritchard said Mrs Edwards' actions could have prevented the driver receiving serious injuries.

"Despite the obvious difference in age and size between her and the offenders she showed great bravery in going to the driver's assistance.''

Four boys, two aged 16 and the others aged 17 from the Preston area, were later arrested and charged.

Three pleaded guilty to assault before Lancaster magistrates. They each received nine-month referral orders and ordered to pay £150 compensation and £50 costs.

Another denied assault and attempted theft but was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month community order and 80 hours unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £150 compensation and £300 costs.