THE broken-hearted family of teenage Harry Potter actor Rob Knox has been showing its gratitude to the volunteers who helped them through the trial of their son’s killer.

Colin and Sally Knox were at the Old Bailey last week, to present a cheque for £1,000 to the Witness Service at the court.

The Witness Service is run by the charity Victim Support and offers support and help to people who involved in cases at court.

The couple said: “We feel the time is right to go back to the marvellous people at the Witness Service and personally thank them for all the kind help they gave us while we were at the Old Bailey.”Karl Bishop, aged 22, of Carlton Road, Sidcup, was jailed for life in March this year, with a recommendation he serve at least 20 years, after being found guilty of murdering Rob, 18, outside the Metro Bar in Station Road, Sidcup, in May 2008.

Mr Knox described the Witness Service volunteers as “unsung angels”.

Last year it helped 47,000 witnesses going through the courts in London and the family said it would like to encourage more people to volunteer.

Mr Knox said: “I take my hat off to all those volunteers who give up their time; they make such a big difference to the intimidating process of going to court.

“We want to make sure this great work continues to help more families affected by crime.”

The money has come from the Rob Knox Memorial Fund, set up by the family to support causes connected with Rob and his death and to provide a scholarship for a local youngster to attend theatre college.

The fund will also be sponsoring the training of six street pastors, volunteers who work on the streets at night, helping to calm down potentially volatile situations and offering help to young people.

The couple also continue to work with the Charlton Athletic FC, the team their son supported, in its Street Violence Ruins lives campaign.

Speaking about his son recently, Mr Knox told the News Shopper: "I miss him terribly and I talk to him every day."

If you are interested in becoming a Witness Service volunteer call 020 7192 2423.