THREE binmen have been hailed as knights in shining armour after they helped victims of a car crash.

The men helped the injured, pushed two cars out of harm's way - and even remained at the scene to sweep the road afterwards.

The trio, Barry Durkin, Anthony Jenkinson and John Metcalfe leapt into action from their dustbin lorry when they came upon the car smash.

Two cars had collided, leaving wreckage scattered across the road and the two drivers dazed from the impact.

The accident happened on the B6271 at Bolton-on-Swale, near Catterick, North Yorkshire.

The binmen had finished their round and were on their way back to Richmond when they came across the crash scene.

Without a thought for their own safety, the trio managed to manhandle the wreckage off the busy road to prevent an oncoming car hitting the damaged vehicles on the Scorton to Northallerton road.

And once they had checked the two drivers were not seriously injured, they even stayed to sweep up the broken glass and plastic.

Yesterday, the three Good Samaritans' actions were recognised when they received a award.

They were given the Chairman's Excellence in Performance Award, which is awarded to Richmondshire District Council employees for noteworthy actions or service.

After the presentation, the modest trio couldn't wait to get back to work. It was left to council chairman Jane Metcalfe to lavish praise on their quick-thinking.

Presenting the award, Councillor Metcalfe said: "It is good to know people can be so public-spirited. These motorists needed help. They were very lucky the men were so quickly on the scene.

"We believe they are a credit both to themselves and the council."