HERO Harry Potter actor Rob Knox is to be given a posthumous award for bravery - weeks after he was knifed to death.

HERO Harry Potter actor Rob Knox is to be given a posthumous award for bravery - weeks after he was knifed to death.

The 18-year-old's proud parents highlighted his courage and heroism at a memorial service held moments after his funeral.

Kent Police are to hand over the honour to his devastated parents Colin and Sally Knox tomorrow for an act of bravery while he worked at Bluewater shopping centre.

Rob's mum and dad are to attend the new Ebbsfleet Police Station in Thamesway, Northfleet, to accept the award on their tragic son's behalf.

The young star, who plays wizard Marcus Belby in forthcoming movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, was stabbed in Sidcup on May 24.

Almost a year to the day before Rob was among five workers at the Bluewater Marks and Spencer store who helped catch two thugs after they assaulted someone in the shop.

The have-a-go-heroes chased the yobs across the car park and helped police and security staff identify and nail them.

Both were later convicted of grievous bodily harm and jailed for the attack.

Colin Knox, 55, said: “Robert chased a group of thieves from Marks and Spencer store in Bluewater last year.

“That was Rob - he thought about other people first and not himself.”

He added: “Robbie had a passion for acting. He was just finding out that maybe, just maybe, he might get that break.”

Mum Sally said: "I just wish I could tell him how proud we are.

"I just hope that he's up there watching. It will be the hardest thing to do to receive the award but it will make us so, so proud of Rob."

Hundreds of heartbroken teenagers joined Rob's relatives at Eltham Crematorium last Wednesday.

Dad Colin called him 'inspirational' at the memorial service in St John the Evangelist Church, Sidcup.

Both the funeral and memorial service were attended by Harry Potter actors, including Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the movies.

Area Commander Ch Supt Gary Beautridge said he could not think of anyone more deserving for the Area Commanders Award.

He said: "It is clearly evident that Rob was an extraordinary young man.

"He displayed not only bravery but a real public spirit in taking the action that he did that day at Bluewater.

"I can understand why his parents are so very proud of him and it's a sad loss."

A Marks and Spencer spokesman said: “We do know Rob was a valued and popular member of the team.

“It's obviously a very sad time for his parents but we just want them to know he was great member of staff.”

Jobless Karl Bishop, of Sidcup, was charged with Rob's murder and five counts of wounding on May 27.

He was remanded in custody to stand trial at the Old Bailey on September 2.