A Keighley postman's quick thinking at the scene of a serious road crash has earned him an ambulance service commendation.

Neil Waterhouse used first aid skills learned from an ambulance trainer to help a badly injured motorist trapped in her wrecked car. Now Neil, 39, of Cullingworth, has received a commendation certificate from Mick Doherty - his first aid training officer - in a ceremony at West Yorkshire ambulance HQ, Birkenshaw.

Neil, a Keighley-based postal driver, came across the accident near Arthington in North Yorkshire while off duty earlier this year. He saw a car in a ditch and realised the driver, who had been thrown by the impact through the rear parcel shelf, was trapped in the wreckage.

He says: "She was conscious and calm but obviously badly hurt. I got her sat up and mopped her wounds with a towel and with a bit of tender loving care tried to make her as comfortable as possible until the ambulance arrived. I felt confident when I went to the scene that I knew what to do. Obviously the first aid training I had received from the ambulance service had been a big help because I knew what to check for. After my experience I would suggest everyone should take a first aid course because you never know when it might come in handy."

The woman was treated in hospital for head and leg injuries.

Neil has already received Royal Mail's local Employee of the Year award for his actions.

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