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Young train conductor saves life of colleague suffering heart attack at controls

A young train conductor has won a national award after saving the life of a colleague who had a heart attack while driving a York-bound train.

Robert Denison, 20, based at the York depot for First TransPennine Express, found the unconscious driver at the controls, but stayed calm and secured the train while also assisting the driver.

The driver made a full recovery and many grateful passengers wrote letters thanking Mr Denison for his actions ^ and he has now won the Frontline Employee of the Year accolade at the National Transport Awards.

His manager Stephen O^Doherty said: ^Robert is a first-class conductor, who does a fantastic job every day. It^s clear in my mind that his fast response and clear thinking in a highly stressful situation - and in his first year on the job ^ saved the driver^s life that day. It^s great to see him getting the recognition he deserves, I^m extremely proud and delighted to have him on my team.^

Mr Denison has already been named Gem of the Year for 2012 at the FTPE Customer Excellence Awards.