An armed robbery victim today paid tribute to a police officer who got her through the trauma.

"He's my hero," said mother-of-one Linda Petkus, who was subjected to a terrifying ordeal by her knife-wielding attacker.

She said Tadcaster police constable Jeremy Richardson's kindness and sensitivity had stopped her becoming a physical wreck.

Even now, two months after the teenage robber was sentenced to three years in a young offenders' institution, the caring bobby still pops into the shop where she works to make sure she is OK.

PC Richardson, 40, was today presented with a divisional commander's commendation by the Lord Mayor of York, Irene Waudby, for his work in bringing the balaclava-clad raider to justice.

Tadcaster-based Sergeant Ian Butler, who nominated him for the award, said: "It was a fitting reward for a bit of good old-fashioned police work."

The 15-year-old burst into the Chocolate Box, in Kirkgate, Tadcaster, pulled out a knife and said: "Give me the money or I'll stab you with this".

Mrs Petkus said: "PC Richardson has been fantastic. He arrested the robber the same day and kept me fully informed about his bail and his court appearances. He took me to Hull Crown Court for the trial."

She added: "People are so quick to knock the police, but PC Richardson acted above and beyond the call of duty. His kindness and thoughtfulness got me through a terrible ordeal."

A modest PC Richardson said today: "I realised what Mrs Petkus was going through and supporting her was just part of the job."

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, June 28, 2001