PAPERBOY John Thakeray is an example to young and old on why it pays to be vigilant.

The 13-year-old Evening Press delivery boy smelt gas as he pushed a paper through the door of a home in Acomb.

He rushed home and rang Transco, who discovered gas was leaking from a faulty cooker.

John's prompt action diverted a possible catastrophe and is a perfect example of how to be community minded. It also, incidentally, shows the value of having the Evening Press delivered.

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, September 06, 2001