A BUS driver in Huddersfield is being praised for helping to save an elderly passenger.

Richard Stones, 42, from Mirfield, was driving a First bus on the 372 Almondbury-Lindley service when he saw a passenger collapse as he got off the vehicle.

The elderly man got off at a bus stop at Waterloo, but as he walked away he collapsed, banging his head on the pavement and losing consciousness.

Richard, a married dad with one daughter, who has worked for First for nearly three years, spotted the incident and immediately stopped his bus and ran to help the man.

He made him comfortable by placing him in the recovery position while another bus passenger called for an ambulance. Richard then waited with injured man until the ambulance arrived to take him away for treatment.

Ian Humphreys, managing director for First in West Yorkshire, said: “Richard showed great awareness and professionalism to ensure this elderly man received immediate medical attention.

“Richard ensured he stopped his bus safely before going to the aid of the man who could have suffered a serious, if not fatal, injury.

“Our drivers are trained in first aid and this gives them the necessary skills to help those in need.

“However, I am always proud to see the skills learnt in the classroom taken out on to the streets and used practically to help injured people.”

Richard, a keen golfer and squash player in his spare time, said: “I was only doing what any good citizen would have done if they were in my shoes”.