A COURAGEOUS train company employee has received a bravery award for springing into action to help restrain a violent aeroplane passenger in front of terrified bystanders.

Stephen Lee, of Bolton, who is head of customer service at First TransPennine Express, was aboard a short-haul flight when the commotion and tension quickly unfolded in mid-air.

The 40-year-old and another holidaymaker helped staff confront a man who attacked his own partner.

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: "Stephen Lee, 40, and Alex Rodda, 51, from Bolton and Wrexham, were recognised for the bravery that they displayed during a flight from Manchester to Portugal.

"The two men assisted airline staff when a fellow passenger became violent towards his partner an hour into their flight to Faro.

"Stephen and Alex rushed to help the cabin crew restrain the man, eventually sitting either side of the offender while he was strapped down for the remainder of the flight."

Mr Rodda’s daughter Corby Rodda told The Bolton News: “They boarded the flight and the guy went to the toilet and was in there during take-off.

“When the plane got in the air, he came out and some kind of fight broke out – he punched his wife in the face.

“He was running riot. My dad and the other man (Mr Lee) restrained him on the floor.

“They were some of the bigger guys and everyone else just panicked.

“He was going absolutely mad and they handed him over to the cabin stewards, who took him behind the curtain.

“But the crew couldn’t keep him in the floor and came back to ask for my dad and the other man’s help.

“They restrained him in the middle seat and my dad sat one side and the second man the other.

“They had to watch him to make sure that he didn’t do anything crazy or do anymore damage.

“The guy was spitting at them and swearing at them for 2 ½ hours and when they landed the police took him.”

Mr Lee received his bravery medal at the Police Public Bravery Awards held by the National Police Chiefs Council on Monday at the Raddison Blu Hotel in Manchester.

He was nominated for the gong by Greater Manchester Police.

GMP's Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: "Congratulations and well done to all of the winners of the awards, a truly inspirational group of people.

"To take a stand against criminals in dangerous situations deserves to be commended and I am honoured to have been able to attend the awards evening last night to recognise these brave people.

"We work hard to keep our communities safe but residents like this show what a big impact being an active citizen can be."

Honorary awards secretary Chief Constable David Crompton, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "Every day, somewhere in the United Kingdom, members of the public put themselves in harm’s way in order to help or protect others who are vulnerable or at risk.

"Policing in the UK has always been performed with the consent of the public and we could not do our job without their assistance.

"This award ceremony provides the police service with a unique opportunity to thank the public spirited men and women who have gone beyond what would normally be expected and actively engaged in brave, courageous or selfless acts to help protect communities, detect crime or assist the police."

Mr Lee, who has appeared at consultation events for his employer at Bolton Railway Station at least twice this year, was named Business Manager of the Year at the 2012 Rail Business Awards at a time when he lead 300 train conductors.

The 40-year-old is not the only Boltonian to have demonstrated courageous mid-air exploits.

Mental health nurse Helen Turner, of Little Lever, was consulted an hour into a Thomas Cook flight back to Manchester from Cyprus after a British passenger slumped in his seat and was unresponsive.

The mum-of-one spotted the elderly man had suffered a stroke and advised cabin crew to ground the aircraft, which landed in Sofia, Bulgaria, for the victim to be evacuated and his life saved.