Heroes who dealt with the horrific aftermath of the Selby rail disaster have had their actions recognised more than two years after the tragedy.

James Dunn, whose father Steve was one of ten killed in the February 2002 crash, was among those who paid tribute to passengers, emergency services staff and others for their acts of outstanding bravery.

Lord Crathorne, Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, presented certificates at a ceremony at York Racecourse.

James, 12, whose father was driving the freight train involved in the crash, said he had not thought about those who drove the ambulances, fire engines and police cars until that fateful day.

After the ceremony he said: "They've still got to cope with it at night and think about it. It's not like you just walk in there and have no feelings. They're real people behind those uniforms."

Steve Dunn's widow, Mary, said: "People deserve to be recognised, but there are never enough of the awards to go round, so they're just representing the jobs that were done on the day."

Gerald and Susan Hall, of Great Heck, and their daughter Stephanie, 18, were also commended.

Mr Hall, 48, directed passengers to the Northern Straw depot, where he is a lorry driver, and helped an injured woman to safety.

His wife, Susan, 45, looked after the injured passengers, bringing blankets and warm clothing and comforting them until they were taken to hospital.

Mrs Hall said: "I'm proud to be recognised, but we're moving on now and getting on with our lives.

"It was hard hearing all the stories, listening to what the survivors have been through."

His colleague, John Dunington, 56, of Great Heck, said: "I'm proud to receive it, but don't feel like I deserve it. I just did what anybody would do.

"The ceremony has brought back a lot of bad memories."

Selby firefighter Tony Walker, who was the first firefighter to arrive at the scene of the rail disaster, received a Chief Fire Officer's Commendation for his professionalism.

Mr Walker said: "I've got mixed emotions really. I feel for the families of the bereaved, it was a hard time for all."

A Chief Constable's Commendation was also awarded to the North Yorkshire Police Force for its "highly professional" response to the disaster. Lord Crathorne also presented 13 Chief Fire Officer's Certificates to members of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Members of the British Transport Police, West Yorkshire Police and Humberside Police were also recognised for their actions.

The crash happened after a Land Rover driven by Gary Hart, 37, from Strubby, Lincolnshire, left the road while towing a trailer and went on to the East Coast Main Line at Great Heck on February 28, 2001. The stranded Land Rover was hit by a London-bound GNER train which left the tracks and careered into an oncoming freight train. Hart was found guilty of ten counts of causing death by dangerous driving and jailed for five years.

Updated: 10:30 Tuesday, July 08, 2003