A HERO taxi driver who stood up to a gunman attempting to rob him said he was flattered to have been rewarded for his actions.

When Mark Ainsley threatened Colin Metcalfe with a handgun and demanded money, the former champion racing driver accelerated, blaring his horn to attract attention, then slammed on his brakes before Ainsley fled. He also was able to positively identify Ainsley in a later police lineup.

The Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Batty QC, said he was “exceptionally impressed with the bravery of Mr Metcalfe”, and rewarded him with £750 of public funds.

Mr Metcalfe said his actions had just been something he did "as it happened". He said: “It was either brave or foolish. Bravery because nobody was hurt but foolish because it could’ve gone the other way if it’d been a proper weapon and he’d discharged it, I might not be here now. That’s hindsight, I suppose.”