THE brave actions of two men who pulled a motorist from the burning wreckage of his car has been recognised.

The quick-thinking of Matt Heap and Matthew Johnson saved the life of deputy headteacher Mark Kerr when he passed out at the wheel and veered off the A19 and into a tree and fields at 70mph in May this year.

Mr Heap, 28, of Redcar, was in the outside lane of the northbound A19 just behind Mr Kerr when he saw the car suddenly veer of the road.

The former Young Firefighter with Cleveland Fire Brigade, stopped immediately and left his wife, Abby Lewis, to phone the emergency services and look after their four-year-old son Bobby to run to the scene.

The Process Operator with Sabic UK Petrochemicals UK, said: “When I got there with Matthew, the bonnet was smoking. He forced open the driver’s door and got his seat belt off and we dragged him out across the field well away from the car. Moments later the whole car was engulfed in flames.

“I got him in the recovery position and took his jumper off. My main concern was the loss of the blood. I used the jumper to stem the bleeding as much as I could until the police and fire brigade arrived.

“I just did what anybody would do. I am sure the training I received when I was a young firefighter certainly helped.”

And 24-year-old Mr Johnson, a worker with field service specialists Team Furmanite, added: “I was about 200 metres ahead checking my mirrors when I saw the car veer off the road. I stopped immediately and ran back. There was already a small fire and I jumped on the bonnet to open the door and get his seat belt off. We then got him well away and helped with as much first aid as we could until the emergency services quickly arrived.

“There wasn’t that much time to think so we just did what we had to do. I have been to see Mark and his family and I know they are very grateful. I am very humbled to receive this award. Anybody else would have done the same.”

The brave duo were presented their awards by Cleveland Fire Brigade’s chief officer Ian Hayton at a ceremony where Mr Kerr was on hand to thank the pair.

Mr Kerr, 44, from Billingham, works at Willowfields Primary School in Sunderland and was a former teacher at The Village Primary School in Thornaby.

He said: “The word hero is often diminished by being branded about too much but in this case it is absolutely true. I know the two guys are very humble about their actions and just say they did what anyone else would have done. But there is no doubt their quick-thinking actions saved my life.”

And chief fire officer Mr Hayton praised them both for their swift actions ensuring Mr Kerr’s life was saved.

He said: “There is absolutely no doubt that Mr Kerr would not be here today without the utmost bravery and selfless action of these two men who, with total disregard to any danger to themselves, rushed to the scene and dragged him clear just seconds before the car was engulfed in flames. They also looked after him until the emergency services arrived.

“I know Mr Kerr has placed on record that he owes these men his life. Matt and Matthew have been very humble about what they did on that day but these commendations are richly deserved.”