A traffic warden who waded into a hammer fight between two men has received a bravery award.

Otley warden Linda Smith separated the men -- one of whom suffered head wounds - with the help of a passer-by.

Now police have praised Linda for her bravery and presented her with a certificate.

Mrs Smith, a 49-year-old mother-of-one from Otley, said: "It's just the way I am. I am spontaneous and I am sure if I was in the same situation tomorrow I would do it again."

Mrs Smith was carrying out her duties in Courthouse Street, Otley, last July when she noticed two men arguing.

She said: "I saw two men involved in a scuffle and the next thing I knew one was hitting the other with a hammer. The next thing I knew I could see blood pouring from the head of one of the men. I just knew I had to do something so I tried to separate them first and then I began to pull at the attacker's arm, but he was too strong. Luckily a passer-by came over and helped me out."

Mrs Smith, a traffic warden for 11 years, took the victim across the road and tended his wound.

"I had to keep him calm as he wanted to go over and still fight his attacker. But I managed to keep him under control," she said.

One of the men was arrested and prosecuted.

Mrs Smith said: "I really did not expect anything for my actions, but I am honoured."

Divisional Commander of Weetwood Police, Superintendent George Robinson, said: "She intervened in a violent situation and managed to keep the situation calm before the police arrived. If not the victim could have suffered even further injury.

"People normally underestimate the value of traffic wardens, but Mrs Smith has proved to be very brave. She did not even consider her own safety."

The certificate is awarded to people who have acted above and beyond their normal call of duty.

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