A FARMER who rescued firefighters and a family from a potentially fatal snowdrift will receive a special commendation from the brigade.

Jim Smith came to the aid of three people whose car had become trapped in deep snow near South Shields Farm in Tow Law, County Durham.

A fire crew from Crook had been called to the scene at about 3pm on Friday, January 25, but after getting to the car their Land Rover had also become stuck in the drift.

Mr Smith, 54, used his tractor to pull the vehicle free enabling the stranded trio and their dog to escape the sub-zero conditions.

His actions have earned him the Chief Executive Officer’s Commendation from the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

Firefighters John Walkden and Steven Finlay are also receiving the award for their efforts in initially getting to the trapped car.

Stuart Errington, Director of Community Protection at the fire service said: “I have no doubt that the actions taken by John, Steven and Jim helped save the life of the people trapped in their car that day.

“John and Steven’s efforts showed extreme courage and they put their own lives at risk to help others.

“Jim Smith demonstrated bravery and fantastic community spirit to offer his assistance with this challenging rescue.”

Mr Smith said he was simply doing what he thought was right, and joked: “I needed to be down that lane later to feed my sheep so had to get the car out of my way.

“I don’t think there was anything heroic about it.

“We get bad winters up here, but I would say this winter has been worse than usual.”

Colin Hughes and 15-year-old Andrew Bannister from Esh Winning will also receive commendations after they rescued an elderly neighbour from a house fire.

The pair forced open a bathroom window on the house on Rowley Crescent and lifted the lady out of her burning home at about 5pm on Monday, February 4.

Mr Errington said “The actions of Colin and Andrew show that there is a fantastic community spirit in County Durham and Darlington that we should all be proud of.”

The awards will be presented by service chief executive Susan Johnson in Durham on Monday.