Three have-a-go heroes have been praised for their bravery after rescuing a driver whose lorry had ploughed into a central reservation.

Cressing-based scaffolders Wayne Johnson, John ‘JJ’ Jonathan and labourer Ollie Hayden swung into action after they witnessed the A120 crash, on February 3, between Dunmow and Stansted, involving a lorry carrying straw.

Former Notley High School pupil Ollie, 20, of Braintree, made sure no one got too close to the accident while his ex-army colleagues smashed the cab windscreen to freed the driver.

Stella Curry, who is a partner in Cressing-based Scaffold Solutions (Essex) Ltd, said: “I would like my operatives to be commended for their bravery in this situation which could have easily ended up with a fatality if it wasn't for their quick thinking.”

A spokesman for Tillingham-based Skeggs Straw Ltd and Skeggs Plant said: “Our driver was on route to carry out a regular delivery of straw.

“This incident occurred as a result of a tyre blow-out causing the vehicle to elevate and tip the load and cab."