A woman has been presented with the Leader’s Recognition Award for helping a young teen whose phone had just been stolen.

Linda Evans-Packham from Romford, was driving home when she saw teenager Melissa Watson distressed and trying to flag down someone for help. Concerned, Linda pulled over only to learn it was Melissa’s first time in London and upon arrival in Barking, her phone was snatched. Melissa had travelled from Devon for an audition at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

Linda not only took Melissa in for the night, but also gave her some money and sent her to her audition the next day.

"Linda has done our borough proud and proven that we have people living and working in Barking and Dagenham who will step up to help a stranger in their hour of need."

Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, caught sight of Linda’s good will in the local papers and knew her kindness and sense of social responsibility towards a complete stranger were worthy of an award. He said:

“I presented Linda with this award as a small way of thanking her, on behalf of our community, for helping a young person in desperate need of help.

“Linda’s story was moving for both myself and the Chief Executive. As the parent of young children, this is the type of response I hope other people would give to our own sons and daughters if they were ever in such a situation. Linda has done our borough proud and proven that we have people living and working in Barking and Dagenham who will step up to help a stranger in their hour of need. Linda truly went above and beyond in this situation and it is right she be given the recognition she deserves.”