Buerk's own 999 drama

Michael Buerk put his 999 knowledge into action

The presenter of the BBC1 rescue show 999 was caught up in his own real-life drama when he rescued a driver in a road crash.

Newsman Michael Buerk - who also presents the BBC's Nine O'Clock News - rushed to save injured Martin Crockford, 38, from the wreckage of his car seconds after it crashed and overturned.

"It was one of those nightmare moments when I stopped and desperately tried to remember the things I'd told people to do on 999," Mr Buerk said.

The 53-year-old was driving with his wife Christine during a holiday on the Isle of Wight when they saw Mr Crockford's blue Metro skid and hit a bank.

He said: "We saw a car had hit the side of the road and landed on its roof. As I got out I could see that there was a bloke inside hanging upside down.

"The car had petrol pouring out of it and it was pouring with rain."

Another motorist, who witnessed the crash in his rear view mirror, rushed to undo the injured driver's seatbelt.

Lucky escape

The newsman arrived on the scene seconds later to help drag the driver free from the car, amid fears that it might blow up.

He then stayed with the injured man until the ambulance arrived.

The factory worker was kept in hospital overnight after suffering a cut head, whiplash and an injured back.

From his home in Whitwell on the Isle of Wight, Mr Crockford praised the 999 presenter's quick response.

He said: "He and the other man could well have saved my life. The crash could have been a lot worse.

"I feel very lucky. I will be writing a thank you letter to him."