THREE refuse collectors who helped an old woman when she fell in the street have been officially recognised for their compassion.

Graham Day, Iain Pearson and Pawel Strzelecki went to the aid of Joan Ralph outside her home, in Acomb, York, in March.

They had all recently completed first aid training and, without hesitation, went to help the 78-year-old.

Mrs Ralph, who lives alone, said: "They were wonderful. I don't know what I would have done if they hadn't come to help me. I'm just so grateful."

Mr Pearson said: "We were emptying her recycling box when it happened. She tripped on the kerb and fell down.

"We bandaged her eye because it was bleeding heavily and we also bandaged up her little finger, which she later found out was broken.

"One of us then stayed with her until the paramedics arrived to take her to hospital for treatment."

Mr Day said: "We were so surprised when we heard we were getting these certificates.

"It's nice to be recognised for doing something good for the community, but we're just glad we were there to help."

The trio, who are employed by the City of York Council, were recognised yesterday for their community-spirited actions at a formal ceremony in Mansion House.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Hopton, was there to present the workers with their certificates.

She said: "It's one thing to have first aid training but, until you are faced with a situation, you don't know if you are going to be able to apply it.

"We are very proud that our employees went straight to Mrs Ralph's aid and were able to help her."

Terry Collins, the council's director of neighbourhood services, said: "Clearly, the first aid training that the team received has proved invaluable, but I am really delighted at the way that Graham, Ian and Pawel didn't think twice about going to the woman's assistance and using their knowledge to assess her condition.

"Their community-spirited approach is an example to us all and I wanted to make sure it was formally recognised."