I WOULD like to express my gratitude to those ladies and gentlemen who came to my assistance when I was involved in a collision with a van while I was crossing Sheep Street, Skipton in the early afternoon of Monday, September 30.

As I could not move in fear of causing further damage to myself,  I did not get to see their faces nor am I able to recall their names as given but two ladies, particularly, sheltered my prone body from the rain, placing their umbrellas over me..

One of the ladies was on a day out from Leeds and both kindly took care of me while I lay awaiting the emergency services.

Also, a gentleman who was an off-duty paramedic bent to my aid and determined there were no spinal injuries, a huge relief to me then and now.

Another gent placed a jacket under my head which was against the cobbles.

I include a photo taken shortly after the event and can report that I am recovering well despite a fractured shoulder, some broken ribs and various cuts and contusions.

A heartfelt 'thank you' to all those already mentioned and those whose many other small kindnesses left my faith in human nature fully restored, not least the ambulance and emergency staff at Airedale General Hospital.

Gerald David Mc Mullan.

Skipton