A COURAGEOUS Port pensioner who saved a woman's life after she was stabbed in a horrific knife attack has received honours for his bravery.

Gerry Morrison, 73, fought off knifeman Peter Cannon when he stabbed River Clyde Homes worker Lynn Robertson in the housing association's Clyde Square offices in September 2019.

Gerry's selflessness earned him a Pride of Scotland award last year - and he has now received national honours from both Police Scotland and the Scottish Government.

He picked up a Police Public Bravery Award, on behalf of the National Police Chiefs' Council after the nomination was submitted by former Inverclyde area commander Debbie Reilly after she heard about Gerry's bravery.

Gerry said it was a nice surprise when the certificate and medal arrived through the post.

He said: "Debbie phoned me not long after the attack and told me she was going to put me forward for it.

"I never really thought any more about it and was so surprised when it arrived as a special delivery.

"The police said it was one of the worst attacks they had seen.

"They saw it all close-up on the CCTV after it happened.

"It's heartening knowing what I did still means a lot to people but I didn't do it for any recognition.

"The best award will always be that Lynn is alive."

The Port pensioner has also been honoured with a St Andrew's Award for exceptional bravery, delivered on behalf of the First Minister of Scotland.

On the medal are the words 'The Will To Do, The Soul To Dare'.

The man who carried out the attack was given an order for lifelong restriction at the High Court in 2020.

Gerry, who still lives with post traumatic stress disorder after the attack, is now calling for communities across Inverclyde to join together and raise awareness of the impact of knife crime.

He added: "I've seen the damage it caused Lynn and her family, and me and my family.

"It doesn't just affect one person.

"There are a lot of victims involved."