A hero bus driver helped save the life of a young boy who was choking while onboard a Go North East bus.

Sunderland bus driver, Paul had been driving the service 56 when he was alerted to an incident unfolding just metres from his drivers' cab.

Passengers watched in horror as the boy's parents could see their son unable to breathe after something became stuck in his throat.

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The driver, who is based at the company's Wearside depot in Deptford, brought the bus to a safe stop before jumping into action.

Preventing a near tragedy from unfolding, Paul was said to have calmed the situation around him before performing lifesaving moves on the child.

The Northern Echo:

Using the NHS recommended abdominal thrusts, he managed to stop the boy from choking, something that could have proved fatal.

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And this week, Go North East praised the driver as he was commended for his efforts in helping to save the boy's life.

He was given the company's Going the Extra Mile Community Champion award.

A spokesperson for Go North East said: "Thanks to Paul and his quick reactions, the life of a fellow passenger was saved.

"Without Paul’s actions, the situation could have been so much worse. We think Paul is definitely a hero behind the wheel."

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