BECAUSE they have earned the thanks of the people of Lancaster these two taxi drivers received a special letter of commendation this week.

Dilaver Patel and Ian Dixon saved a young woman in her early 20s, Tonia Strain, during an attack from convicted rapist David Goad.

They earned the thanks of the Judge and Lancaster police and now they are being recognised by Lancaster City Council on behalf of the community.

Said Cllr Tony Wade, Chairman of the council's licensing committee: "These two kept an eye on a man who was behaving suspiciously and then jumped in when the she was being attacked.

"If not for them a very serious attack could have happened. They have our thanks and I'm glad to hand over these letters of commendation."

Ian commented: "I'm very pleased to accept this. It's totally unexpected."

Dilaver added: "We've had loads of people mentioning this in the taxi."

pictured: Cllr Tony Wade with taxi heroes Dilaver Patel and Ian Dixon

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