THE Vale council would like to congratulate a Rhoose school crossing patrol who suffered serious injury after blocking the path of an out-of-control car to protect a group of children at her crossing, after she was honoured with a Pride of Britain Award.

Karin Williams from Rhoose was handed the award for Outstanding Bravery at the Pride of Britain Awards in London which was televised on ITV last week.

In June of this year, Karin, a school crossing patrol of more than ten years at Rhws Primary School, was one of the victims of a freak accident when a driver lost control of his car. Just before 9am, the crossing outside the school was at its busiest when the car came towards Karin and a group of children and parents at the crossing. Witnesses describe that Karin instinctively went to protect the youngsters, throwing herself in the way of the car, taking the full impact of the blow.

Karin was pinned underneath the car which had flipped onto its roof. She suffered serious injuries fracturing both knee caps and arms, she also broke a shoulder and her two legs which meant she spent the next nine weeks in hospital. Four months on from the accident and Karin is recovering at home while undergoing physiotherapy to help with her walking.

The Vale council’s Leader, Councillor Neil Moore said: "Karin is beyond doubt, an extremely worthy winner of the Pride of Britain Award for Outstanding Bravery and I would like to extend my warmest congratulations. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Karin, her instinct to protect those children by shielding them from the car, without any thought for her own safety, is something we will be forever grateful for."

Karen Stokes, the Vale Council’s Road Safety Officer who manages the School Crossing Patrol service was also keen to congratulate Karin: "Karin has been a popular and highly regarded member of our crossing patrol team for over ten years, her dedication and love for her job has always shone through. I am delighted that Karin has been recognised for her incredible bravery, she deserves this award and our eternal gratitude. Congratulations Karin and best wishes for your continued recovery."