AN expectant mother has been hailed a hero after saving a pregnant woman involved in a head on collision.

Deputy manager of Tenlands Care Home, Andrea Palmer, was on her way home from work in Ferryhill when she saw a crash between a car and a motorhome on a busy road.

The 32-year-old pulled over and saw 33-week-pregnant Chloe Woods, distressed and in a lot of pain.

Ms Palmer was concerned for the safety of Ms Woods and her unborn child as she was 20 weeks pregnant herself at the time.

She said: “Chloe was really distressed and concerned about the baby. I tried to reassure her and calm her down.

"I was concerned about the baby as well being pregnant at that time so I stayed with her until the ambulance came.

"Chloe and her partner David were so thankful. I didn’t realise what I had done had made such a big impact.”

The care home worker from Seaham, in County Durham, ensured the expected mother’s heart rate was down which in turn kept the babies down.

After being kept in hospital all weekend she ran into a few complications, but thanks to the a quick thinking actions of Ms Palmer, Ms Woods and her partner David welcomed a healthy baby girl named Grace.

The couple visited the care home worker to show their appreciation.

They have since become good friends and have been sharing parenting tips while Ms Palmer awaits the arrival of her baby.

Ms Woods said: “When I visited Tenlands, I was informed that Andrea was also pregnant at the time of the accident, it must have been so scary for her seeing what happened.

“Andrea is an inspiration to us and her words and kindness will stay with us forever.”

Ms Palmer said she was relieved everyone was okay and the baby was unhurt.

She has been commended for her work and has received a Kindness in Care Award by Tenlands Care Home.

The home's manager, Victoria Leighton, said: “We are very proud of Andrea for stopping and helping Chloe, particularly given that she was due to give birth soon. Andrea demonstrated the kind care she delivers every day at Tenlands.”

Ms Palmer is due to give birth in November and is looking forward to becoming a first time mother.