There are plenty of villains filling the pages of KentOnline throughout the year.

But every now and again a real hero makes headline news.

From police officers who were recognised on social media to dogs who rescued their owners, here is just a taste of some of the best acts of bravery over the last 12 months.

Louie the King Charles spaniel

Four-year-old Louie was branded a 'hero pooch' when owner Maureen's great grand-daughter fell ill.

He started barking outside one-year-old Chloe's room. When her mum, Shannon Weeks, checked on her she found she was pale and not breathing.

The 23-year-old said: "He just kept barking and barking. He hardly ever does that so I didn’t know what to think. I went out and saw him outside my daughter’s room.

“I went in and Chloe was face down and was pale and wasn’t breathing. All I remember doing is screaming. I picked her up and patted her back and she came round and threw up again. She’s not a very sicky baby so it came as a huge shock. It was the worst night of my life.”

“The doctors said if it hadn’t been for Louie and I hadn’t got there when I did Chloe may not have survived, he really did save her life.

“I was always nervous about dogs around babies before, especially after a dog attack in Chatham. I don’t think it’s anything to do with the breed I think it’s about the owner."

Richard Foad

While out fishing in Tankerton, Richard rescued two sisters who had got swept up in the tide.

The 26-year-old of High Street, Whitstable, said: “I got to them as quick as I could and the girl said ‘can you help my little sister?’

“I got the little sister on board. The older one was a stronger swimmer so I got her in next.They didn’t say anything. They were shaken up but OK.

“I took them back to shore and watched them walk up the beach.

“Their parents weren’t there. I expected a woman to come running down the beach but there was no one. A man came along but he didn’t know them, he’d seen what had happened and said if I hadn’t been there who knows what would have happened to them.

Tankerton ward councillor Neil Baker said: "Quick thinking by Mr Foad helped avoid a potential tragedy and he deserves all the thanks he is receiving. Hopefully it will also act as a reminder of how the sea can be a dangerous beast when not respected."

Little Mix saviour

Heroes aren't always life savers. Sometimes they're just people who do a litle extra for someone in need.

Elsie Morgan, who has just turned 10, was too small to see Little Mix over towering adults at the Kent Event Centre at Detling in July.

And her mum Sharon was physically unable to lift her onto her shoulders due to her medical condition.

So the stranger, seeing Elsie's anguish, stepped into the breach.

She kept Elsie on her shoulders for the whole show and afterwards vanished into the crowd.

David Farr

Forty one people were injured when a coach flipped on the hard should of the M25 in August.

The first at the scene was Ashford electricity worker David Farr who was heading home when he saw the accident.

An electricity worker from Willesborough has spoken out after being one of the first to respond to a major incident on the M25.

Mr Farr climbed into the middle section of the coach to help free a group of elderly people who were struggling to get out.

"I didn't really think about the danger, I knew that people were in trouble and I needed to help free them.

"The emergency services took about 10 minutes to arrive and I felt I needed to help these people get out as soon as possible."

Mystery man

From mysterious little girls to mysterious heros - in November a woman appealed to find the man who saved her after suffering a heart attack.

Suzie Burton was at a supermarket in Strood where she fell violently ill and was forced to abandon her shopping.

She lay down in her car in agony before making the decision to drive the two mile journey back to her flat in Borstal.

The 56-year-old full-time care worker got as far as the Esplanade in Rochester when she was forced to pull over.

It was then that the elderly, well-dressed man emerged from the Castle Club and tapped on her window.

She said: “This wonderful gentleman saw my plight and came to my car to see if he could help. I just wanted to get home because I thought it would make me feel better.”

Police officer on the M20

Twitter isn't always the kindest of places but, last month one woman used the platform to praise the work of an officer.

Tweeter @eolhc23 said: "To the lady sat on the wrong side of the bridge above the M20 this morning, you are not alone, you will never be alone. Help is always there.

"To the @kent_police police officer who was sat next to her risking his own life to save the life of a complete stranger you are a her."

The woman was brought to safety. If you would like confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123.