TWO men from Carmarthenshire County Council’s highways team who risked their lives to save another man won the Community Bravery Award at this year’s West Wales Community Awards.

Dorian Lewis and Mark Allen were first on the scene and along with colleagues James Griffiths and Wayne Jones rescued a driver whose lorry had been swept away by a landslide into the Afon Duad River along the A484 at Cwmduad during Storm Callum last October.

They bravely pulled him from his vehicle and formed a human chain to bring him to safety.

The landslide tragically claimed the life of 21-year-old Corey Sharpling, from Newcastle Emlyn.

Dorian, who attended the awards ceremony, said: “It meant a lot to us to be nominated and to go on and win. We didn’t do what we did to win an award, we did it to save a life. “Unfortunately, we were unable to save one life that day. It was an emotional evening, reliving that time again.”

Mark added: “Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the awards, but we definitely weren’t expecting to be nominated or to win. Although it is lovely to have, this isn’t why we did what we did.”

Head of transportation and highways, Stephen Pilliner, said: “All the teams in the environment department work hard to deliver essential services to our customers.

“Following the devastating Storm Callum, many staff members worked tirelessly to help our communities in the clear-up.

“However a special mention must be made for Dorian and Mark whose brave actions saved other lives and I am very proud that this has been recognised in the West Wales Community Awards.”

The pair were recognised for their bravery at the awards evening held in Parc y Scarlets.