Found at last: white van hero

The power of the "Chronicle" has helped track down the mystery white van man who rescued a Congleton couple from their blazing Park Street home. Since 14th May the identity of the have-a-go hero had remained a mystery - despite a back page appeal for information in the "Chronicle". But when Gary Walmsley, (49), popped into Green Island chip shop for lunch last week, staff recognised him and told him he was a wanted man. And on Tuesday, the have-a-go hero was commended by town firefighters for his heroic deed. At the time, Congleton firefighters were keen to honour Mr Walmsley's for his selfless actions. Firefighter Keith Pick said: "Undoubtedly his actions saved their lives, there is no way they could have got out another way." On Tuesday, Mr Walmsley, who is currently working in Congleton, with construction company Morgan Sindall recalled the events on the morning of the blaze. He revealed that not only did he save the couple's lives but he also averted a massive explosion: "I was going to work, working on Mill Lane gas works at about five past seven, when I saw some smoke coming out of the top bedroom window, and being the nosy git that I am, I stopped. "There was a guy standing there and I asked if it was only smoke. He said 'I think it's on fire' so I raised the alarm with the neighbours." Mr Walmsley said one neighbour told him that his boiler had been leaking. So he sprung into action and turned the gas off. He said: "That house could have gone up as well, I don't know about his life but I saved his property. "I then got hold of the woman that lived in the flat and she said the only way they could get out was where the fire was, so I pulled the van up underneath the window." The couple jumped onto the roof to safety and were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene but were otherwise unharmed. He said it was "a good feeling" knowing that he had saved lives but added: "It all happened so quickly. I didn't think about it, I just did it." The modest hero also praised the actions of others at the scene who gave the couple clothes and food as they helplessly watched their home go up in flames.
He then went on his way to work and had to explain to bosses why he was "a little bit late". He said his workmates did not treat him as a hero, instead taking the mickey out of him. After the presentation on Tuesday, Mr Pick said: "We don't give out commendations like this very often, but then it's not every day someone saves the lives of two people."

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