IN A world of make-believe heroes Stewart McIlroy is the real thing.The police constable risked his own life to save three people who were trapped in their vehicles after an accident - pulling them out only minutes before the vehicles burst into flames.

IN A world of make-believe heroes Stewart McIlroy is the real thing.

The police constable risked his own life to save three people who were trapped in their vehicles after an accident - pulling them out only minutes before the vehicles burst into flames.

It is right that his courageous actions are recognised by the Royal Humane Society which is today presenting him with its bronze medal.

The police officer's bravery was matched by that of Terence Mizen and David Alberto who helped in the rescue of one of the occupants of the cars.

It is always a tough call for anyone when faced with this kind of situation - there is the knowledge that moving a victim could result in further injuries.

But, as in this case, leaving them in place could lead to certain death if they become engulfed in fire.

On this occasion PC McIlroy had to make a quick call. He got it right and his actions undoubtedly saved three lives.

The three men deserve the thanks and admiration of society, and it is right they should be receiving their awards which have been personally approved by Royal Humane Society president Princess Alexandra.

WHOEVER stole 280 valium pills from a pharmacy on Stoke Park Drive on Monday night clearly knew what he or she was doing - they left a note apologising for their theft.

But that does not excuse what they did and as the police have said if they are really sorry for the theft they should hand themselves in and return the drugs.

The drugs were clearly taken to feed a desperate drug habit - and the fact that the thief felt moved to leave the note suggests that he or she knows he is in a bad state.

There is help available for people who are dependent on prescription drugs like valium and if the thief wants to break their habit they can certainly get help through various agencies.

They have clearly faced up to the crime within their own mind, but now they need to face up to it with the rest of society, contact the police, and then speak to health professionals about their drug problem.

Then hopefully they will be able to get their life back in order and will ensure that they are never again driven to criminal activities to feed their habit.

DANNY Haynes has been one of Ipswich Town's brightest young prospects for several years and fans will be delighted to hear that the youngster has pledged his future to the Portman Road club for a further two years.

Haynes' supersub reputation is growing and he has a crucial role to play in a Town set-up which has produced an increasingly entertaining team.

Getting him to pledge his future to the club is an important piece of business for manager Jim Magilton.

Now he can turn his attention to an even more pressing problem - trying to find a good on-loan defender to help plug the leaky back four.