A HEROIC woman who risked her life to rescue a lorry driver who was caught in a vehicle fire on the M6 has been thanked for her selfless actions.

Mum-of-three Sandra Clayton, of Oxmead Close, Longbarn, has received a letter of thanks from Warburtons on behalf of the driver who was discovered unconscious at the wheel.

The 41-year-old was driving along the M6 on May 2 with her mum Renate and three children, Mckenzie, eight, Taylor, 11, and Jordan, 12, when she noticed a Warburtons lorry had crashed into the barrier between junctions 21 and 20.

After quickly pulling over on to the hard shoulder she noticed the driver was sat in the seat not moving.

She said: "I remember my mum saying that it was really foggy and then we noticed there was smoke bellowing from the lorry.

"I did not think twice. I pulled over and got out and ran towards the lorry."

Sandra repeatedly banged on the windows of the lorry to try to wake the driver who appeared to be unconscious.

She eventually moved to the driver's side and tried to alert the driver by shouting and banging on the window.

But without thinking, Sandra had positioned herself on a barrier with a shear drop underneath.

Moments later the driver regained consciousness and was helped to safety – shortly after the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

She said: "It was only when I get back in the car and my kids told me that they worried I could have died that it all hit home what I had done.

"They keep calling me superwoman.

"But adrenaline just kicked in and it was something I had to do.

"About 10 weeks before my uncle – David Clayton – was found unconscious in a car in Congleton.

"We have been through so much and we still have to wait for the inquest for answers – I didn't want another family to have to go through the same thing we have experienced.

"It may sound silly but I knew he was watching over me – keeping me safe."

In the letter to Sandra, a spokesman for Warburtons said: "We and the family would like to take the opportunity to extend our gratitude and thank you personally for your bravery and the help you gave to the driver at the scene.

"Our CCTV footage shows a high level of bravery shown by yourself and the police officers at the scene.

"Without your help and assistance the day may have resulted in tragic circumstances."