TWO real-life heroes are set to receive commendations for their bravery at a special ceremony today.

Pershore-based paramedic Tom O'Keeffe and ambulance technician Tim Holt were called out to the A4104 over the southbound carriageway of the M5 in May this year. A young woman had climbed over the safety barrier and was threatening to jump onto the motorway below.

Mr Holt, aged 43, said: "I had a bad feeling as soon as we got there. Most people in those situations want to be saved but this woman was very calm. I thought things could go wrong."

Suddenly the woman leaned forward as if to jump, and without thought for themselves, both crew members managed to pull the struggling woman back to safety.

One of the police officers who attended the incident said in his report that if it was not for the courageous actions of the ambulance crew the incident would have had a very different ending.

Mr O'Keeffe, aged 49, said: "We did the job we are trained to do but it is always nice for your efforts to be recognised."

Both medics have completed nearly 20 year's service.

Tamar Thompson, chief executive of Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service said: "We fully recognise the speedy initiative and action taken by the crew, which is well above and beyond what their duties would normally demand."