A FEW weeks ago, we paid tribute to the heroism of a young woman who came to the rescue of the victim of a savage street attack in Darlington.

Aimee Yule, 22, may well have saved Jason Waters from being killed by having the courage to come between him and his attackers.

Today, Darlington can salute another demonstration of courage and public spirited behaviour by local people.

Eye-witnesses told us last night how motorists risked their own safety to rescue two men from their crashed cars, seconds before the vehicles burst into a fireball on the outskirts of the town.

We could easily have been reporting a tragic outcome to the accident, which sent flames shooting into the sky and a plume of smoke hanging over the Faverdale area.

Instead, we can report a positive outcome thanks to the actions of passers-by who did a great job until the emergency services were able to reach the scene.

The great news is that both of the drivers involved escaped with relatively minor injuries, with emergency services describing them as incredibly lucky.

The headlines are often dominated by the crooks, rogues and cowards of society.

But we should always remember that there are plenty of people among us who are prepared to put themselves in danger for the benefit of others.