FROM the archive this week: Local man John David Wilce accepts an award from the town mayor for an act of bravery in 1970.

John Wilce, from Norris Close, Penarth, was a very well-known local figure in the town for decades.

In 1970, John received a British Humane Association Award for attempting to save the life of an elderly woman who fell from the Penarth Pier.

John jumped 25 feet into the water in an act of quick-witted heroism and was praised in a Penarth Times article after the event for his “great courage and presence of mind”.

John’s parents owned a newsagents on Kings Road in Canton, though John grew up to be a telecommunications engineer.

In the 1980s, he changed career and began to work at the Cogan Tesco store, where he became a well-known face for customers.

According to his godson, Philip Mansell, John’s true passion was music and his favourite band was The Beatles.

For several years, he was an award-winning presenter for Radio Glamorgan at the University Hospital of Wales.

Following his death in 2018, Radio Glamorgan renamed their studio after John to commemorate his years of voluntary service as a presenter.

Mr Mansell said: “My mother and John had been friends since they were children and he was an integral part of my family.”

If you have a photograph of Penarth, Dinas Powys, Sully, Llandough, or Cogan that you would like to see featured - together with information about what it depicts – email: Joseph.draper@newsquest.co.uk