A YOUNG man who survived a horrific car crash has visited his rescuers to thank them for saving his life.

Robbie Franklin, 22, is lucky to be alive after the collision left him with extensive injuries, including broken legs, broken fingers, and a head injury.

The accident took place on Stockton Road, Sedgefield, on May 25 this year.

Spennymoor green watch and Bishop Auckland green watch, attended along with the brigade’s special rescue Unit, also from Bishop Auckland.

Firefighters worked closely with colleagues from North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust's HART Team, Durham Constabulary’s Road Policing Unit and Helicopter Emergency Medics to rescue Robbie, in extremely challenging circumstances.

Robbie, who is now on the road to recovery, visited Spennymoor Fire Station during the week to meet the firefighters who helped to saved his life.

The Northern Echo: Robbie with the crews who saved him. Picture: COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICERobbie with the crews who saved him. Picture: COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

During his visit to the station, on Wednesday Robbie, not only met and thanked the crew, but also spent time with Chief Fire Officer Stuart Errington and was given a tour of the station and shown some of the equipment used to extricate him.

Spennymoor Green Watch Manager David Welsh said: “It is not very often that you get closure to incidents we attend.

“The teamwork ethic across all emergency services that morning and specialist rescue capability from our Bishop Auckland crews is a great example of the exceptional work emergency services undertake protecting our communities and saving lives.

“It is heart-warming to see Robbie making a full recovery and I wish him well for the future.”

The Northern Echo: Robbie during his visit to Spennymoor Fire Station. Picture: COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICERobbie during his visit to Spennymoor Fire Station. Picture: COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

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