First class postal staff in running for awards

Customers sent in nominations for the awards, which aim to recognise unsung heroes across the region, citing incidents of bravery, community spirit and helpfulness above and beyond the call of duty.

Paul Coleman, who works at Sheffield city delivery office, was nominated in the bravery and lifesaving category.

Mr Coleman, who spent several months off work after being severely injured in a dog attack in 2007, was recognised for rushing a pregnant customer to hospital when he found her in labour on her doorstep while on his round in October last year.

Craig Francis, from Barnsley delivery office, has also been recognised in the lifesaving category after rescuing a stroke victim he found lying on her kitchen floor while on his round in Dodworth.

Karen West, who works at Doncaster mail centre, was shortlisted in the fundraising category after organising a football tournament in memory of her husband, Stuart, who died of cancer in 2008.

The tournament raised 4,500 for Doncaster Royal Infirmary, where he was treated.

Alison Wright, Royal Mail's regional operations director, said: "This shortlist represents just a few of the thousands of first class people working for Royal Mail, whose role in the community makes a real difference to people's lives.

"Because our people make daily deliveries to millions of addresses in the UK, they are very much a part of the communities in which they work. They are also often first at the scene in incidents, such as fire or road accidents and instinctively get involved.

"They are the unsung heroes who customers and Royal Mail feel deserve some extra recognition and appreciation for their efforts."