A teenager who confronted a gang of bullies who were targeting a younger boy has become the 5,000th pupil to receive a prestigious award.

Mubashar Sapru, 17, stepped in when he saw the boy, a pupil from his own school, Thornton Grammar, being assaulted by teenagers from another school.

He said: "When they saw me they ran off, I chased them but they managed to get away.

"I went back to the boy, he was in shock and crying, I spent about ten or 15 minutes with him."

After comforting the boy Mubashar found out he had been targeted before.

Mubashar, who wants to become a pilot, suggested the boy should tell both schools and the police community support officers in the area about what had happened - to which the bullies' victim agreed.

He also offered to walk the boy home and suggested an alternative route which would help him avoid meeting the bullies again.

The following day Mubashar's school was made aware of his actions by the victim's mother.

Police were also called to investigate the assault.

As a result the school nominated the A-level student for the Princess Diana Anti-Bullying Award - which is open to primary and secondary school pupils who have tackled bullying.

Mubashar was presented with his award by the Children's Commissioner for England, Al Aynsley Green.

"I'm really honoured that I have got the award, it was really unexpected," he said.

After the incident Mubashar formed an anti-bullying initiative at his school which offers student support to pupils who might be afraid of approaching teachers with their problems.

And he is keen to raise awareness about how police can help.

"It's good for students to know that the police are there to help them," he said.

Clive Truelove, deputy head at Thornton Grammar, accompanied Mubashar to London to receive the award alongside his parents.

"It's exceptional, he stands for everything that's good about our school," he said.

"We are absolutely delighted to be associated with such a young man."

Head teacher John Weir said: "We are proud of him, it was an extremely brave act."

Mubashar's mother Lubra Sapru said: "We are very happy that he had the courage and confidence to do this good deed."

Schools Minister Jim Knight said: "I congratulate Mubashar for his brave and principled action, his award is highly deserved. This year's Anti-Bullying Week focuses on the role of the bystander, and Mubashar's action is an example to us all."

The bullying award scheme is affiliated with the Anti-Bullying Alliance and is a branch of the Diana Award which was set up in 1999 in memory of the Princess of Wales.

e-mail: rebecca.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk