A Thanet football ref who turned commentator after witnessing a pub brawl has received a High Sheriff Award.

Joanne Park was praised for her courage in keeping police aware of the bust up in a pub in Garlinge.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how Ms Park had been helping in the Rodney public house when she became caught up in the fight which started between a drunken father and son.

Judge Adele Williams revealed how Ms Park and other regulars tried to keep the two “warring” parties away from each other.

She said: “She then bravely physically intervened to try to pull them apart. The incident developed into serious violence and one of the customers who acted as a peacemaker was seriously assaulted and needed 10 stitches to a head wound.

“Ms Park continued to give assistance until police and paramedics arrived. It was exemplary conduct.”

The judge who heard the trial had said the barmaid had been “level-headed and courageous in the face of a terrifying situation”.

He revealed how Ms Park had telephoned the police and given them a running commentary.

David Stembridge, who is 51, and son Derek Stembridge ,21, both of Dane Valley Road, Margate, were later convicted of assaults.

Daughter Kayleigh, 26, of Kent Road, Margate, who was pregnant at the time of the incident, was acquitted of wounding but the jury found her guilty of assaulting Rebecca Beach.