The brave actions of 44-year-old cashier Shan Mort, who works at Lloyds TSB in Leigh, prevented an elderly customer from being cheated out of £4,000.

Her courage was recognised by Wigan trading standards department as they made Shan the first person to receive a new award, which she herself inspired them to introduce.

She was awarded a cheque for £50 and a certificate at the bank as the council's trading standards department launched new guidelines and an information pack for counter staff to help them spot the signs of a potential rogue trader incident.

Shan, who lives in the Warrington Road area of Leigh, said: "We're made aware at our induction of what to look for but it's not as involved as these guidelines from trading standards.

"I think people need to be aware of how often this is happening and what they can do to stop it.

"It's something that could affect any vulnerable person and I didn't want to let those men get away with that lady's money."

It was last summer when Shan dealt with the vulnerable customer, who came into the bank on Ellesmere Street looking distressed and handed staff a note requesting cash from her account.

She asked the lady what the large sum was for and was told two men brought her there to pay for work they claimed to have done.
Shan watched as the woman left, then went out and confronted two men who appeared to be intimidating the frail woman. They fled the scene empty-handed.

Speaking at the presentation of the award, Trading Standards' Julie Middlehurst, said: "These doorstep crimes have a horrible effect on their victims and typically target the most elderly and vulnerable.

"What Shan did was very, very important and it was the right thing to do. Sometimes it's difficult to do anything but hand over the cash, but she saw the warning signs and acted on them. We are extremely grateful for that."

For more information on the scheme, contact Wigan Council's Trading Standards team on 01942 827476.