Couple win life-saving award

A couple who rescued two people from a burning car have won a prestigious European life-saving award.

Bob and Jennifer Lindsay, from Carlisle, were first on the scene when a car left the road and collided with a wall in Durdar Road in the city on 28 December 2002.

Despite flames from the vehicle, they pulled a man and woman clear.

They were nominated for the Giancarlo Tofi Trophy by Cumbria Constabulary and were chosen from nominations across Europe.

'Outstanding bravery'

Mr Lindsay, 53, is a former detective inspector with Cumbria Police.

He said: "Naturally we are delighted to receive this award, but we only did what the vast majority of other people would have done in the same circumstances and we are just glad that we were able to get them both out of the car in time."

The Giancarlo Tofi Trophy is named in honour of an Italian man who was killed in 1972 trying to protect an injured cyclist from traffic.

It is awarded each year to a European citizen who has shown outstanding bravery in rescuing or protecting victims in road accidents.

Mr and Mrs Lindsay, 48, are due to fly out to Assisi, in Italy, to collect the award next week.

Cumbria Chief Constable Michael Baxter said: "I am delighted that Mr and Mrs Lindsay are to receive this award which recognises their exceptionally brave action in rescuing two people despite the obvious risks to their own safety.

"It was down to their prompt response that the casualties did not sustain much more severe, if not fatal, injuries."