TWO schoolgirls have won praise for helping a man after he was injured in a hit and run crash in front of them.

Selene Kolade and Tabitha Shurey both aged 12, were walking to school when they saw a car knock a man off his bike in Drove Road and make off without stopping.

They rushed to his aid and called an ambulance.

“It was a very traumatising thing to see,” said Selene. “I felt really bad for the man. We saw him land into a dustbin after a car had smashed into his bike.

“There was blood everywhere from his face being cut open from the crash and his eyes had blood around them and he couldn’t see, so we helped him find his glasses.”

Tabitha said: “My first thought was to call 999, but most people just walked past and stared, doing nothing even though they could see he was injured. People should be helping others rather than looking for a picture opportunity. Teenagers are given a bad reputation and it’s good that we can prove to people that this is not the case.

She added: “When we got into school we had to go to first aid as Selene felt like she was going to faint, and I felt a bit sick.”

The incident happened on Monday April 16, at 8am near Miller & Carter Steakhouse as the girls walked to Commonweal School.

Staff were so proud of them they arranged a surprise assembly and presented them with a commendation each recognising them for their quick thinking.

"You are a motivational and inspirational role model and show a mature and exemplary, enthusiastic and caring attitude. You have been an excellent ambassador for the Commonweal School," wrote head teacher Bob Linnegar.

He told them the victim - who had to have stitches in his face - and his wife had made contact to convey their heartfelt thanks for the compassion the girls showed.

Mr Linnegar said: “We are extremely proud of Selene and Tabitha for what they have done, to have the confidants at their age to help someone in need is tremendous. They helped a member of the community in a potential life-threatening situation and represented the school’s values in abundance.