COMMENDATIONS have been made for the incredible bravery of a York civilian and the quick thinking of three of the city's firefighters.

The actions of all four men are said to have saved the lives of those they helped.

They were singled out for praise at a special ceremony at the Old Meeting House in Helmsley last night by North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Eric Clark.

Teacher David Wilson, of Haxby, received the highest award there is, the Chief Fire Officer's Commendation.

He rushed to the aid of a woman trapped in a burning car, fought the fire until it was out and then gave her first aid until an ambulance arrived.

York Police Superintendent John Lacy, who nominated Mr Wilson, said: "I had absolutely no hesitation in putting him forward for this.

"After reading the accident report it quickly became clear that Mr Wilson's actions had saved the lady's life. There is no doubt about that."

Mr Wilson, who teaches at Joseph Rowntree School, York, said: "I suppose I was acting on instinct.

"The main thing I remember after the fire was out is the ambulance taking an age to arrive.

"Before that, I hadn't really had too much time to think. I just did what I could and thankfully she came through it OK."

Asked about the award, Mr Wilson said: "I am quite pleased. It is a bit of a shock to get the recognition, as I didn't do it for that.

"I'd like to think someone else would do the same for me."

Mr Clark said: "Mr Wilson's actions can't be praised enough. The bravery he showed as an untrained man in a very difficult situation was absolutely outstanding."

Receiving a Chief Fire Officers Letter of Appreciation were Sub Officer Kevin Caulfield and Firefighters Jim Bowes and Derek Iveson.

The three were part of an 11- man watch that witnessed an assault while dealing with a fire call on Micklegate.

The victim was left in a pool of blood, so the firefighters called for an ambulance and gave him first aid.

An overstretched ambulance service that night, though, meant one had to be sent from Malton, meaning the firefighters gave first aid for almost 20 minutes.

"The youth had life-threatening injuries. The firefighters administered vital first aid and it is quite possible they could have saved his life," said Mr Clark.

Mr Caulfield said: "At the time I wasn't really thinking that we could have been saving someone's life, you just do it automatically.

"We are pleased to be appreciated but the award is for the rest of the watch as well. It is always a team effort."

- The lady Mr Wilson rescued today indicated she did not want any publicity. She will be thanking her rescuer personally by letter.

Updated: 15:27 Friday, August 17, 2001