A TEENAGER who kept his calm under pressure to help a motorbike rider after a crash has been recognised.
Michael Norman, who lives in Atherton, was walking on Bag Lane in the town on his way to get a bus to school in February when a collision took place between a car and a motorbike.
The impact hurled the motorcyclist on to the roof of the car before he was sent crashing on to the road surface.
Michael, 15, who has learning difficulties and attends Oakfield High School and College in Hindley Green, immediately went to the rider's aid.
He said: "When I saw what had happened my first thought was to go over and help.
"Someone shouted to ring an ambulance and I said 'I'm on it'.
"I phoned 999 and they told me what to do if the man went into shock and to check for bleeding."
Michael relayed first aid instructions from the ambulance service call handler to a group of people, including the driver of the car, who were there before paramedics arrived to treat the casualty.
The rider suffered leg injuries.
His mum Dee, 47, said: "Michael has been taught how to travel independently but has never been told what to do if he witnessed an accident so this was a massive thing for him to do.
"He used his initiative and stayed calm to get help and then listened to instructions from the ambulance service and give accurate information.
"He even gave the nearest house number to where the accident took place.
"A lot of people would not have thought about that."
Michael's act of bravery to step in and help has been rewarded by Greater Manchester Police, who have presented him with a Chief Constable's Special Recognition Certificate.
He was "surprised" to be handed the accolade.
Michael's mum says his willingness to help is a trait he regularly displays.
Michael in a cow outfit at a Dee's Tots Kingdom community event
Michael's mum Dee and her husband David
"Michael is an amazing young man," Mum-of-four Dee said, who runs toddler group Dee's Tots Kingdom, based in Atherton and Leigh, with her husband David.
"He is very much a community person and likes to get involved in events we do at the toddlers group classes."
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