Three City of York Council employees who administered first aid to an elderly woman when she fell in the street are to be officially recognised for being good samaritans.

Graham Day, Ian Pearson and Pawel Strzelecki, who all work within the council's Neighbourhood Services directorate providing refuse collection services, became aware that an elderly woman had fallen in the street as they went about their duties.

They had all recently completed first aid training and, without hesitation, went to the victim's aid. After assessing the woman's condition and determining that she lives alone, they decided to call an ambulance because one of her injuries was causing them particular concern.

One member of the team remained with the woman until paramedics arrived at the scene and the patient was then taken to hospital for treatment.

Now the three council employees involved are to be recognised for their community-spirited actions at a formal ceremony that will be attended by the council's director of Neighbourhood Services, Terry Collins, and Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Hopton.

Terry Collins said: "Clearly the first aid training that the team received has proved invaluable, but I am really delighted at the way that Graham, Ian and Pawel didn't think twice about going to the woman's assistance and using their knowledge to assess her condition.

"Their community-spirited approach is an example to us all and I wanted to make sure it is formally recognised."