The presentation ceremony, held twice a year, was organised by the Police Public Relations Branch with full sponsorship from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC).

Mr Wong Chi-pang is the winner of the Good Citizen Year Award. Together with two GCA winners, Mr Hui Ying-nam and Mr Wan Kwok-wai, Mr Wong helped the police arrest a man who attacked a Korean woman with an axe and tried to snatch her handbag containing $12,000 on Morrison Street, Sheung Wan, on June 6.

Alerted by the victim's hue and cry, the three good citizens, who were passing by, tried to subdue the man. The man put up a fierce struggle and pulled out a gun. At this juncture, Mr Wong blocked the trigger with his finger to prevent the man from firing the gun. Eventually the trio subdued the culprit, seized the gun and handed him over to the police.

The man was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment upon conviction of robbery, possession of arms and ammunition while committing a robbery and possession of arms and ammunition without a licence.

Mr Wong was presented with a plaque and a cash award of $3,000. All the other GCA winners each received a certificate and a cheque for $2,000.

Commending the recipients for their courage and bravery, Commissioner Lee Ming-kwai said they had set good examples to their fellow citizens.

"I hope, through meaningful events like the GCA presentation, more citizens will come forward to help police fight crime and bring criminals to justice, just like what the GCA recipients have done," he added.

Other officiating guests included the Senior Director, Certification, HKGCC, Dr Cheung Yiu-sing, and a member of the Fight Crime Committee, Dr Tse Wing-ling.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr Cheung pledged: "We have sponsored this award scheme since 1973 and commended more than 3,000 citizens. We surely will continue our support for this meaningful activity."

The youngest GCA recipient of the year is 11-year-old Cheung Sek-wang, who assisted the police in nabbing two men who made off with a waist bag at a playground on Forbes Street, Western on July 24.

Witnessing the theft, he made a report to the police and gave clear descriptions of the two men. He also joined in the search for the culprits. With his help, police officers finally apprehended the duo outside the Sands Street Market and recovered the waist bag and some other stolen items.

With the help of the good citizens, about 40 culprits were arrested for a variety of offences ranging from wounding, robbery and indecent assault to theft and burglary.

Good Citizen Year Award winner, Mr Wong Chi-pang, with CP and officiating guests