The Mayor met Pauline and presented her with a special Team London Award at the annual Peace Awards at City Hall.

‘Hackney heroine’ Pauline Pearce’s bravery was praised by London Mayor Boris Johnson at a special awards ceremony last night.

The grandmother was caught on camera last month waving her walking stick and confronting rioters burning bikes and cars, and quickly became an overnight internet sensation.

Mr Johnson presented her with a Team London Award at the annual Peace Awards ceremony at City Hall, where he also thanked other “unsung heroes” of the recent disorder in the capital.

“I have met some outstanding individuals this evening who truly encapsulate the spirit of London,” he said.

“Their hard work has been priceless in the aftermath of the disorder,” he added.

Pauline Pearce said she didn’t regret confronting the rioters.

“I had an adrenalin rush, I didn’t have time to feel scared and I didn’t hold back,” she said.

“Now I get people coming up to me in the street and thanking me for speaking up.”