A taxi driver who risked his life to save a couple from their smoke-filled home is to be nominated for an award by Rawdon firefighters.

Last week the Telegraph & Argus revealed how quick-thinking Scott Sampson had saved Bob Smith, 41, and his girlfriend Marjory Angus, 48, from the blaze at their home on Glenmere Mount, Yeadon.

Mr Sampson, 29, of Guiseley-based SJK Private Hire, was en route to Leeds-Bradford Airport with a fare when he saw smoke coming from the house.

He pounded on the front door and then kicked it down before helping to lead the couple down the stairs and outside to safety.

The fire itself was confined to an outside storage room, which contained a gas meter, but smoke from the fire seeped inside the house.

Now Mr Sampson's swift actions are being nominated for official recognition.

Sub Officer Andy Fowler, of Rawdon Fire Station, said: "We'll be asking that he receive some sort of recognition from the fire service for what he did.

"A lot of people might have just rung us up and carried on but he stopped to tackle it and put his own life at risk to save someone else's.

"He didn't know it but there was a gas meter in the cupboard which could have blown up.

"What he did possibly saved their lives because if it had escalated and nobody else had seen the smoke they might not have woken up.

"He did a really good job and deserves recognition for it.''

Postman Mr Smith said: "He definitely deserves some sort of award because without him we don't know what would have happened - we were told another ten minutes and we might not have got out.''

Mr Sampson said: "I'm chuffed to bits but really surprised because I only did what anyone else would have done in the same circumstances.''

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