Rescue heroes from Elland have received a national award.

One of the town’s fire crews are being honoured by the Royal Humane Society for saving the life of a stricken driver.

He was a lorry driver who was seriously injured after a crash on Elland bypass in August 2012.

The rescuers worked to free the man after his vehicle ploughed into a barrier and overturned on the dual carriageway of Elland bypass. but had to act quickly as the man developed a massive bleed.

The firefighters treated his injuries and ulimately saved his life.

The man’s lorry struck the central barrier and overturned. The impact of the lorry also took out two street lights which came crashing down onto the Halifax-bound stretch – miraculously causing no injuries to other drivers.

Rescuers at the scene of the 2012 crash in Elland

The driver, in his 60s, was trapped in the vehicle before fire crews gained access to allow paramedics to treat him at the scene.

The men from Elland Blue Watch happened to be carrying out routine fire safety work in the area and were on the scene almost immediately.

The casualty’s injury led to a serious bleed which the firefighters, as the first emergency responders on the scene, were able to control.

A passing ambulance and Accident and Emergency consultant also spotted the incident and stopped to help. The man was later airlifted to hospital by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and despite suffering serious injuries, survived his ordeal.

Chief Supt Owen West, of West Yorkshire Police, presented the certificates to Crew Commander Ian Harrop, Crew Commander Julian King and Firefighter Gavin Shaw for their life-saving actions.

Mr West said: “All emergency services continue to face changing risks and challenges, however our fundamental purpose will always be to save life and give assistance in times of need.”

Station Commander Gareth Atkins, for Halifax District, added: “We are extremely proud of the actions of our crew. The incident was an excellent example of all the initial responders and medical services working together to provide the best care possible.”