Three bin men became knights in shining armour when they came upon a car crash.

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 Scorton to Northallerton road earlier this year.

Barry, Anthony and John had finished their dust bin 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 in a bid to prevent an oncoming car hitting the damaged vehicles. And once they had checked the two drivers weren't badly injured they even stayed to sweep up the broken glass and broken plastic.

Yesterday the three Good Samaritans heroic actions were recognised when they received a special award.

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

Presenting the award, council chairman Jane 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 to both themselves and the council."