A MAN who conquered his fear of flames and rushed into a

burning house to rescue his elderly neighbours has been named

overall winner of the Gold Star Award.

Gerry Jones, whose brave deeds following the Southway gas

explosion earned him one of the monthly awards, picked up both

trophies at a lunch bash in honour of all the recipients.

A number of extra awards were given to representatives of

the emergency services for their response to the explosion on

January 8, and to nurse Ann Harrison, who tried to resuscitate

Stephanie Hammacott on that fateful day.

Sponsors First, the bus company, also announced a new award

in memory of nine-year-old Stephanie, who died in the

explosion.

Mr Jones, 46, said: “I’m no hero. The real heroes are the

community, who have really pulled together after this tragic

incident.”

Mr Jones was presented with his award by BBC Radio Devon’s

Gordon Sparks, who coincidentally was one of his old school

friends.

Presenting him with the monthly award, Mr Sparks said:

“Gerry Jones went into the house which had been hit by the

explosion to save Ron and Rene Cloke and lead them to

safety.

“He was part of a united effort by friends and neighbours in

the aftermath of that terrible blast, and receives this reward

on all their behalf.”

Reading a letter on behalf of Stephanie’s parents, Carol and

Paul Hammacott, he added: “We would like to congratulate Gerry

in achieving the Gold Star award for his efforts and quick

thinking during the tragic events of January 8. We would also

like to thank the other individuals, Ann, Liam and Neil, who

assisted in both the rescue of Ron and Rene and of course in

helping Carol with Stephanie.”

Mr Jones was preparing to go to work when he heard the blast

on the morning of January 8, and rushed out of his home in

Bulteel Gardens and into the burning house of Mr and Mrs

Cloke.

Along with other neighbours, he helped get the couple, both

over 80, to safety. The burning house collapsed shortly

after.

Mr Jones later made desperate attempts to resuscitate

Stephanie, who tragically died.

It was only later ambulance technicians realised he was

still barefoot and suffering from smoke inhalation. He spent

the day in Derriford Hospital.

Mr Jones accepted the award in the name of the many heroes

of that desperate day.

The overall winner was only announced at the end of the

ceremony, and he said it was a complete surprise.

A short film about Mr Jones’ rescue was screened at the

ceremony, which was attended by city dignitaries including the

Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and Plymouth City Council leader

Vivien Pengelly.

The awards were presented by Marc Reddy, managing director

of First Devon and Cornwall.

He said: “The Southway community has demonstrated an amazing

strength and solidarity since the terrible events of January 8.

But what remains uppermost in all our minds is the tragic loss

that day of little Stephanie Hammacott.”