Blaze hero

Stephen Cornish was returning home from work when a VW Polo car collided with a single-decker coach near the Washington roundabout on the A24 at Storrington.

He dialled 999 and alerted the emergency services, using his mobile phone, before going to help the car driver, who was injured and unconscious.

The car had caught alight and flames were quickly spreading throughout the inside of the vehicle.

Stephen managed to move the driver over to the passenger seat, where he was then able to drag him clear of the vehicle. Seconds later, the car erupted into a ball of flames.

Stephen said: "I didn't think about any danger. I just saw someone in trouble and natural instinct took over."

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service awarded Stephen, who works for HSBC bank as an account manager, a certificate of commendation for his heroic efforts last year, at a ceremony at Storrington fire station on Monday.

Horsham district commander Paul Daley, pictured above presenting Stephen with a certificate, said: "It is without a doubt that Stephen's quick thinking and actions certainly saved the life of this man.

"Crews from Storrington fire station arrived to find the whole car well alight. I highly commend Stephen, who carried out a difficult rescue in very dangerous conditions."