Cliff plunge hero's shock

FLASHBACK . . . the incident at Saltwick Bay, Whitby and (inset) Graham Smith Scott

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A DAD whose quick-thinking actions helped prevent a potentially fatal disaster after a car crashed on a 100ft cliff edge in Whitby has been presented with an award for his bravery.

Graham Smith Scott, from Moorside, sprung into action when he saw a car had driven over the edge of a cliff and was dangerously perched on a ledge just yards from dropping on to families on the beach below.

Fellow hero Nigel Beevis, from Redcar, had already ran to the scene and was in the process of helping the driver of the vehicle out of the car through a window when Graham (51) realised others could still be in danger.

Graham, a father-of-four, said: "I was in our caravan at the holiday park when I heard shouts and screams outside.

"My first concern was for my family who were outside so I went to check what had happened.

"Then I saw that a car had gone over the cliff and was stuck on the ledge near the edge.

"Nigel was helping the driver out of the car but the engine was still going and the wheels were spinning.

"I thought if it moved or fell off the edge, it would kill anyone on the beach below.

"It's a popular spot for families and people looking for fossils so I ran down to warn them and clear the area."

Luckily the car remained still and emergency services arrived to take over from Graham and Nigel.

It was only when Graham arrived again at the cliff top that he realised the danger both himself and Nigel had potentially put themselves in.

"The emergency services wouldn't go out on the ledge without safety equipment and harnesses," he said.

"It was close to the edge so it would only have meant a miss-step or a trip for something to have happened.

"I know my wife Vicci was concerned that I'd risked it to help out but it was just instinct."

After the event at Saltwick Bay on October 26, 2016, Graham's daughter Dominie got in touch with the Royal Humane Society about the duo's brave actions with the society deciding to commend Graham and Nigel with a Testimonial on Parchment award.

The award recognises where someone has put themselves in danger to save, or attempt to save, someone else.

Graham will be presented with his award by the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Derek Heffernan, during a ceremony at the Mayor's Parlour later this month.

Graham said: "I am shocked and humbled to have been given this award ­- I never expected it.

"I'm pleased that Nigel has been recognised ­- he was the real hero on the day.

"It could not have been easy getting the man out of the car and away from danger.

"I just wanted to make sure nobody else could have been hurt if the worst had happened."