TWO firefighting binmen were presented with a bravery award after they rescued a mother and daughter from their car which had burst into flames.

Dave Bates and Steve Carrol were working along the A38 near Webbs of Wychbold when they spotted smoke coming from the car of Sarah McDonnell, who had come to a stop on the road.

Both men, who work for Wychavon’s waste and refuse contractor FCC, sprang into action, making sure Sarah and her mother Gwen McDonnell were safely away from the vehicle.

They began to warn approaching traffic to slow down and tackled the fire using an extinguisher from their own vehicle.

Sarah, from Birmingham said: “Dave and Steve acted so fast. I truly believe that if they hadn’t acted as they did and as quickly, then both me and my mum could have been very badly hurt.

“People can be very quick to moan when someone does something wrong but Dave and Steve at the very least prevented us from being injured, and I will remember how brave they were for the rest of my life.”

Steve said: “We never hesitated for an instant. We would do the same for anyone in distress if we thought we could help.”

Dave added: “If any of my family and relatives were in the same position I would hope that someone would stop to help them.”

The two were honoured for their efforts at a special festive reception at the Civic Centre in Pershore.

Councillor Gerry O’Donnell, the chairman of Wychavon District Council, presented Steve and Dave with a framed bravery award, vouchers from FCC, and two free meals, donated by St Andrew’s Town Hotel in Droitwich.

Coun O’Donnell said: “It’s fantastic to meet with staff who have put their own personal safety at risk to rescue other people.

“Our waste contractor FCC goes above and beyond the call of duty, and this is a classic, albeit more extreme example, of their dedication to providing an outstanding service.”