Parents are number one heroes

Winners of the poll alongside the Bishop of Middleton. From left to right: (3rd Place) Soldiers, represented by Warrant Officer Lutha Magloire, (1st Place) Parents, represented by Graham Higson, Bishop of Middleton, Rt Revd Mark Davies, (2nd Place) Firefighters, represented by Officer Steve Sherridan.

The Bishop of Middleton has announced the results of a poll which reveals that parents are Britain's top heroes.

The survey of children across the country showed that the nation's most heroic role is that of the parent.

The Right Reverend Mark Davies, the Bishop of Middleton, revealed the results of the Church of England online poll to find the most heroic job in the UK at a ceremony in Manchester Cathedral.

Out of the 25 jobs nominated by a selection of school children, the poll revealed that the UK’s most heroic jobs were parents (25% of the vote), fire-fighters (13%) and soldiers (12%).

Rt Revd Davies said: “The National Hero Poll is part of the Church of England’s efforts to help parents who are not keen on their children dressing up as murderers or taking part in trick or treating, to find alternative ways of marking Halloween in a more positive and fun way.

“The Church sees 31 October as 'All Hallow's Eve', which is the night before 'All Saints Day', when we celebrate our own religious heroes. The survey was a way of finding out who children consider as today’s secular heroes.

"We hope the poll results might encourage young people to look to everyday heroes around them and celebrate all who lead their lives in the service of others.”

Commenting on the results, the Bishop said: “Each of the 25 nominated jobs is heroic, but it is great to see parents, fire-fighters and soldiers receive this special recognition from children.

“Parents are rightly recognized for the sacrifices they make in the dedicated service of their children. Parents give lots of love and care, and will often go without so their children can have opportunities.

“Fire-fighters risk their lives every day responding to calls for help. They work as a team, often putting those in danger before themselves.”

“Soldiers, I am sure, have been recognized both for their role as peace-keepers in countries across in the world, and for the sacrifices many in the Armed Forces have made in defending the nation from threat.”