A MUM-OF-THREE who helped save dozens of passengers by bringing an out-of-control bus to a standstill has been commended for her bravery by a top policeman.

Irene King, of Clough End Road, Haslingden, joined Janine Kelly, of Williams Road, Burnley, in receiving honours from the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Michael Todd, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, at a special awards ceremony yesterday.

Both women were involved in dramatic rescues on the M60 motorway last April.

Psychiatric nurse Irene leapt into action when the driver of the bus she was travelling in collapsed at the wheel during rush hour. Irene grabbed the wheel and steered towards the hard shoulder preventing a potentially-fatal pile-up.

Despite not being able to reach the brakes, Irene saved the 20 passengers and looked after the driver until an ambulance arrived to take him to hospital. He made a full recovery.

Irene said: "I am very proud to have received this award."

Former Burnley General nurse Janine went to the aid of three people involved in an early morning car crash as she was on her way to Manchester Airport to fly to Jamaica. She crossed the busy motorway to help, but while she was calling emergency services a second car crashed into all three passengers sending them flying into the air.

Despite the danger to herself, Janine went back into the road but could see immediately the woman and one of the men was dead. She stayed with the second man to administer first aid until an ambulance arrived, but he was dead on arrival at hospital.

As well as the Chief Constable's award, Janine, a mum of two, was also honoured by the Royal Humane Society.

Janine, 34, a sister at Blackpool's South Shore Hospital, said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be recognised in this way.

"It's just a shame that three people had to die.

"There is no doubt in my mind that I would do this again."