Rescue driver so calm amid storm

CAN'T hold on . . . the van is blown over

A MOTORIST became a hero as he rescued a van driver who had been blown down a ravine in Greenfield by Storm Doris.

As the borough felt Doris flex her muscles, David Brennan was driving behind a van on Holmfirth Road in the direction of Greenfield when the strong wind caused the van to teeter before it was blown off the road and cartwheeled down into a ditch.

The road itself, often referred to as the 'Isle of Skye' road, has moorland on either side and leaves vehicles extremely exposed to the elements.

Upon witnessing the incident, David, rather than panic, pulled up and went to the driver's aid, seeing that although the van had suffered damage to the roof and front side, there appeared to be no evidence of leaking fuel or smoke.

He saw the driver, Peter Semple, an employee of Country Oven, based in Greenacres, and after checking him over physically, escorted him back to his own car, believing he was suffering from shock.

Although David said he would take him to the Royal Oldham Hospital, Peter insisted he return to his workplace. David obliged, ensuring Peter was kept talking throughout the whole journey and upon dropping him off, informed the staff of the location of the van and what had happened and said he felt Peter should be taken to hospital.

The dashcam footage taken shows the power of Storm Doris and David released it to highlight the dangers of driving in such hazardous conditions.