BRAVE Jack Bennett survived a collision with a minibus with minor cuts and bruises thanks to the quick-thinking actions of his best mate.

Jack, 12, of Stainland, was hit in the face by the oncoming vehicle and dragged 15ft after his foot was caught under the wheel - but he believes that if Greg Statham had not have pulled him back he would be dead.

Survivor Jack, who is suffering with amnesia and does not know what happened in the run-up to the accident, said: "I owe my life to Greg.

"I'm not even sure what really happened but my family are so grateful to him. I am now feeling terrible and sore. I know I have got off lightly."

The pair were about to cross a busy road as they were walking home from Brooksbank School, Elland, last week when Jack stepped out into the road.

Modest Greg said: "We had just got off the bus and had gone to the front of the bus and came out to cross. Jack was slightly ahead of me.

"I did not even know anything was there but I just had this feeling something was going to happen.

"I grabbed hold of Jack to snatch him back."

Shocked Greg said: "I could not believe what I saw.

"My heart plummeted to my feet. I thought that my friend would be dead after seeing him dragged so violently like that.

"But luckily my having pulled him back was just enough to pull him out of its direct path.

"I didn't know what I had done at the time.

"But I'm so glad I did what I did because my friend means more to me than anything.

"Jack's eye's were rolling back in his head so I put him on his side on the ground and tried to keep him still.

"There was so much blood coming from his foot, and it looked horrible.

"He was a lot of pain, and was kicking his leg about and screaming. I think he was trying to shake his leg off. It was really scary to see him like that."

Single parent Scott Bennett, 34, a full-time dad, found Jack conscious but in shock when he arrived.

He said: "I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"Jack was lying about five metres from where the minibus hit him, he must have been dragged down the road."

It is unknown whether the promising footballer will be able to play again.

Dad Scott praised Greg's quick thinking. He said: "Greg is a top lad, all the kids on our street have been saying thanks to him. He's an absolute hero."