Local heroes have received a special commendation from Mayor of Mansfield Kate Allsop in recognition of their achievements.

Sidecar champions Ben and Tom Birchall; council joiners Mat Knight and Andy Tuft; Joe Martin, from the Royal British Legion; and Mansfield 103.2’s sales director Pete Topley and office manager Jo Watts received special certificates from Mayor Allsop at a Full Council meeting.

The presentation marked the launch of the Mayor’s new commendation scheme, which thanks local people who go above and beyond their normal duties.

Former FIM world sidecar champions Tom and Ben Birchall have achieved the highest level in their sport and this year smashed 14 seconds off the sidecar race record to complete an Isle of Man TT races double. They recently renamed themselves Team Mansfield.

Mat Knight and Andy Tuft saved the life of a pensioner trapped in a house fire. The pair were working on repairs to a fence on a council property on Mansfield’s Ladybrook estate in May, when they heard a woman screaming that her house was on fire and her husband was stuck inside the burning building.

They rushed to the property in George Street and, with the help of a neighbour, battled through thick smoke to carry the 70-year-old man to safety. The pensioner was in a coma for a while but survived his ordeal.

Joe Martin was recognised for his work as Poppy Appeal organiser for the Mansfield branch of the Royal British Legion, which raises money each year to support bereaved families, wounded Servicemen and women, younger veterans seeking employment and housing, and older veterans needing age-related care.

Mansfield 103.2 was commended for its charity work, in particular raising £15,500 for the John Eastwood Hospice, Sutton.

Mayor Allsop said: “I would like to congratulate these local heroes for their outstanding achievements.

“I have launched the commendation scheme as I wanted to find a way to recognise and say thank you to people who make a difference to the lives of others, or who go beyond the call of duty in their daily lives. I hope that the people of Mansfield will respond to this scheme and nominate someone they feel deserves public recognition.”

Councillors and members of the public can nominate a person to receive a Mayor’s commendation throughout the year by emailing [email protected]

Successful nominees will be invited to attend Full Council meetings to receive their certificates.