YOU would hope (and probably expect) that fellow motorists would come to your aid if you were involved in the type of spectacular crash that happened to the Orbell family eight days ago on the A34.

The family was heading home to Peterborough after a holiday in Weymouth when their car crashed into the central reservation and rolled a couple of times.

People rushed to help members of the family scramble free.

Some helped steady the car as the victims got out, while one person plugged a hole leaking petrol with his finger.

Much of the help was a natural reaction – but doing things like stopping the leak or even going in to help with fuel around is bravery in the extreme.

There was little thought for personal safety and so we join the Orbells in their praise of these heroes.

What is also reassuring in these days when it is claimed we are all getting more selfish is the fact the Orbells have come forward to say thanks in the way they have.

As Mr Orbell says: this really proved that people do still care.