A Rochdale man was being congratulated today after not completely shitting his pants when a police car followed him round a corner on Saturday morning.

Arthur Sixpence of Bury Road, Rochdale, said “I was on my way to the Royal Mail depot to pick up a parcel. It was something I’d bought on eBay and I wasn’t in when it arrived. I noticed a police car in my rear view mirror and, when I turned onto Oldham Road they followed me round the corner.

“I hadn’t been drinking the night before so there was no chance I’d be over the limit. I know my car is insured and taxed, the MOT is current and I haven’t received any parking tickets. The tyres are fine and the brake lights and everything are ok. No need to worry. So I just carried on as normal. When I parked, the police car just carried on past as if they hadn’t even noticed me.”

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council told us “This sort of bravery is a rare thing these days. Usually the mere sight of a police car in the rear view mirror is enough to bring on the cold sweats in even the most law abiding citizens.

“It’s been known for completely innocent drivers to have a panic attack if the patrol car then follows them round a corner so Mr sixpence is very worthy of this honour.”

Mr Sixpence will be awarded the “James Phillips Kay-Shuttleworth Medal of Valour” by the city, an honour reserved for outstanding feats of courage. The last recipient was Mr Ernest Bank-Holiday who was presented with the medal after telling his wife that he’d rather her mother didn’t come on a summer holiday to Alicante with them in 1963.

A plaque commemorating Arthur’s bravery will be unveiled at The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre next week.

Thomas Thomas is Sub-Editor for The Rochdale Herald. Thomas is proud to support such causes as "Cornwall for Jam First" and "Drop Scones Not Bombs". His personal motto is "Fuck it, why not?"