A paper boy from Scarborough has been hailed a hero by gas bosses after his quick thinking helped rescue a semi-conscious pensioner suffering from the effects of potentially lethal carbon monoxide in her home.
Dan Eggleton, 17, was on his round in the Crossgates area of the town when he noticed a strange smell as he put the newspaper through the letterbox.
He immediately contacted the shop where he works and they rang the National Gas Emergency Service. This action prompted the dispatch of a gas engineer from Northern Gas Networks.
When the pensioner's boiler was inspected, the engineer found that vents that remove fumes from the house had iced up, causing a build-up of carbon monoxide.
Dan, who has been doing his paper round for six months, said: "I noticed a strange smell when I was putting the newspaper through the letterbox. I was going to knock on the door but I was worried about her switching a light on and causing an explosion. I called the shop and asked them to ring for help, as I thought that was the safest thing to do."
The pensioner, who has asked not to be identified, said: "I'm so grateful. He's saved my life. I was nodding off a lot and, who knows, without him helping out I might not have woken up again."
John O'Grady, director of communications at Northern Gas Networks, was full of praise for the enterprising paper boy.
"Dan's responsible actions have potentially saved this lady's life," he said. Dan was presented with £50 worth of gift vouchers by Northern Gas Networks in recognition of his life-saving initiative. "I'm really pleased the lady is now safe and well," he said.
Nice one.

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