A COACH driver has been hailed a hero after his quick reactions prevented a head-on collision with an overturned lorry.

Thirteen people, including two with serious injuries, were taken to hospital following the accident on the A1 in Cambridgeshire at about 5.30am on Sunday morning.

The coach was carrying Carphone Warehouse employees from the North-East who had been attending the company’s annual ball in Earls Court, London, on Saturday evening.

The driver, from London-based company Redwing, has been praised for spotting the Tesco lorry on its side and preventing a more serious accident.

Ellen Bamborough said: “My sister was in the crash. Together with her colleagues, she had been at a ball in London hosted by the Carphone Warehouse.

“Been really worried about her but it seems everyone will make it through. Thank God for the coach driver and his quick reactions. Hero.”

It is believed the 42 passengers had been flown down from Newcastle for the event but set off for home once the ball had finished via coach.

The northbound carriageway was closed for about 11 hours while an investigation was carried out and the two vehicles were removed from the scene.