THE BRAVERY of a 'remarkable' Otley teenager who fought a knife-wielding robber has been officially recognised.

Alex Jeanguillaume and her friend Edwin Tosney, both aged 15 at the time, were in Wharfemeadows Park on the evening of Friday, August 30 when they were threatened by a man with a knife.

The suspect told the teenagers to hand over their mobile phones but they refused. When he then motioned with the knife as if he was going to attack Edwin Alex used her ju-jitsu skills to grab him and throw him to the ground.

The would-be robber - believed to be linked to two other similar crimes that took place in the park on the same night - then broke free and ran off.

Alex has been a member of the town's ju-jitsu club since she was five and said that had given her a good grounding in how to defend herself.

The Prince Henry's Grammar School student's bravery attracted widespread media coverage and has now been officially recognised by Otley Town Council.

Town Mayor Councillor Peter Jackson presented her with a Bravery Award this week during the annual Otley Ambassadors Celebration Evening.

Cllr Jackson said: "I was delighted to present this bravery award to Alex, a remarkable young lady who put herself in danger to protect a friend during a potential robbery by a knife man.

"Alex remained calm and challenged the robber and, using martial arts skills, over-powered him.

"Alex is a credit to our teenage community. She is also a member of our local cadet force and has just this weekend been promoted to cadet sergeant.

"I have spoken to her family and friends who are extremely proud of her, she certainly is a very remarkable young lady."

Town Council Leader Councillor Richard Hughes said: "I was really pleased to be there and to hear the mayor's description of Alex's bravery.

"In accepting the award, she was gracious and humble.

"The council is absolutely delighted to give her this well-deserved award."

Assistant Headteacher: Learner Support at Prince Henry's, Phil Temple, added: "It is very pleasing to see to see one of our students being recognised for their bravery in standing up for what’s right within the community.

"Well done, Alex."

Several of the Otley Ambassadors attending the event also took to social media to praise the student. Ambassador Greg Mulholland, posting on Twitter, said: "A very well deserved special @OtleyCouncil bravery award to Alex Jeanguillaume for your heroics taking on the person terrorising Wharfemeadows Park.

"Thank you."