SHOPPING centre security guard Sean Ridley is a good man to have round in case of emergency.

The 23-year-old, of Eccleshill, who volunteers as a Community First Responder with West Yorkshire Ambulance Service and gives up free time to help The British Red Cross - has been nominated in this year's Telegraph & Argus Community Stars Awards.

His friend Ellie Gray nominated him for the volunteers category because he always goes above and beyond to help anyone in need.

Drama intervened on a day out for the pair when they got stuck in traffic near Apperley Bridge and realised a car had crashed.

Mr Ridley rushed to the wrecked car and managed to squeeze in to sit next to the injured driver, holding his head steady until emergency services arrived.

He stayed in the car while firefighters had to cut the roof off - the man had to be airlifted to hospital but has made a recovery.

Miss Gray said: "Thee paramedics and firemen praised Sean on his quick reaction and bravery keeping the man calm while everything was going on around him."

Mr Ridley, who works in security at the Kirkgate Shopping Centre in Bradford, was also up at 4am on the two Yorkshire days of the Tour De France volunteering with the ambulance service and he regularly drives out fire and emergency support van with the British Red Cross supporting Idle Fire Station.

"It might be to a flood or some other kind of disaster like a blaze. We go to help the people affected, help them find somewhere to stay, help out with insurance, give some comfort, clothes and other vital needs they have at such a desperate time," said Mr Ridley.

His ambition is to join West Yorkshire Ambulance Service full-time one day, he said: "It's all I've ever really wanted to do. Helping people is a good feeling."

The Community Stars Awards are being organised by the T&A and the Council to ensure unsung groups and individuals are rewarded for efforts in their neighbourhoods.

Nominations, which must be received by Monday, September 8, will be whittled down by a panel of judges before a shortlist goes to public vote.

Ellie said: "Sean is the most selfless person I know, when it comes to helping people at their time of need he will do anything he can."

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at City Hall on December 8, where they will each be presented with the prestigious Bradford Medal.