A BRAVE motorist from the Cardigan area has been hailed a hero but has refused to take any credit after saving the life of a lorry driver trapped in the cab of a crashed milk tanker.

The incident happened just after midday on Monday when a Mansel Davies tanker went out of control at a corner on the B4342 road near the village of Mydroilyn, which is inland from Llanarth on the A487 Cardigan-Aberaeron road.

During the accident the lorry cab crashed into a hedge, trapping the driver and spilling around nine thousand gallons of milk onto the road.

Police officers and paramedics, who were joined by fire crews from Aberaeron, New Quay and Llanelli remained at the scene for several hours.

Firefighters used specialist equipment from the environmental protection unit to prevent the milk from entering water courses and drains near by.

Shortly after the crash a terrified woman driver got out of her vehicle, flagged down an approaching car and appealed to the driver for assistance.

The lorry driver was helpless in the cab which was tight against the hedge and in serious danger of toppling over.

The motorist managed to get to the trapped lorry driver and dragged him out seconds before the cab fell further onto its side.

The motorist put the victim in the recovery position and ensured he was warm before the arrival of the emergency services. The lorry driver was taken to hospital with a broken arm and fractured ribs.

A member of the responding services at the scene said: “It is absolutely remarkable that the tanker driver has not suffered far more serious injuries or even worse.

“That is totally down to the actions of the car driver,” he said.

Although police, ambulance and fire said they were not releasing details of the rescuer he was contacted by the Tivyside for a comment.

The man, who is in his mid-20s and understood to have served in the armed forces, said: “I just happened to be there at the time and did what anyone would have done. I am happy that I could help and do not wish to be identified.”