A SCHOOLBOY hero has been hailed as a shining example of how to defeat crime.

Senior police officers last night praised the "outstanding courage" of 13-year-old Jay Goring in bringing vicious knife attackers and a sex offender to justice.

While adult witnesses refused to give evidence, the pint-sized youngster stood up for what is right - even though it led to his family having to flee from their home and Jay having to switch schools.

Last night, his mother, Sue Prince, said she was sure he would do it again if he had to.

Jay's story emerged at an awards ceremony recognising the bravery, determination and good deeds of young people across County Durham.

He was one of 19 winners of the Shrievalty Awards, but when the teenager walked up to receive his certificate, from Durham's High Sheriff, Richard Coad, he received the most rousing applause of the ceremony, at Durham Castle.

Jay was nominated by PC Catherine Macgill, of Spennymoor police, for his "great courage" as a witness to two crimes last year.

Durham's recently retired deputy chief constable, Eddie Marchant, told the audience how Jay first witnessed a female friend being indecently assaulted, but was able to give "good evidence" to assist police inquiries, leading to an arrest.

Shortly afterwards, he was walking home in Newton Aycliffe when he came across an assault by a three-strong gang on a man outside the town's Dandy Cart pub.

Mr Marchant said the victim was beaten and stabbed, almost losing his life in the process.

Jay flagged down a motorist, contacted the emergency services, then waited with the victim until help arrived, knowing the suspects were still nearby.

"He bravely came forward and gave superb evidence against the attackers, one of whom was a well-known violent criminal," said Mr Marchant.

"Due to the concern Jay's family had about the ramifications of his involvement in the case, the family moved out of the area.

"Not surprisingly, Jay has suffered nightmares and is receiving medication as a result.

"For one so young Jay has shown outstanding courage and determination throughout both of these cases.

"Without his testimony, crucial evidence would have been lost. It's a pity that some adults who witnessed these incidents didn't show the same courage."

Two of the men were jailed for the attack.

Jay's mother, a taxi driver, told of the effect it has had on her son.

"He didn't feel safe and he ended up on sleeping tablets, which just isn't right for a child of 13.

"He was worried with me being a taxi driver that I might come across them. He was staying awake until I got in from work, which is often not until 3.30 in the morning.

"We've moved away now and he's changing schools. But he knows he did the right thing."

Ater the ceremony, Chief Inspector Bob Glass, who organised the awards on behalf of Durham Agency Against Crime, said: "Someone nearly got killed and it was an extremely brave thing for him to do. I'm proud of him. A lot of big, strapping men wouldn't have acted like he did."