A SCHOOL teacher has thanked the rescuers who saved her life after her car plunged into an icy stream.

Helen Birch-Machin was driving in Cuxham, near Watlington, when she lost control of her car, spun 180 degrees and rolled over into a ditch filled with water.

But two men driving to work spotted tyre marks in the snow and saw the car upside-down in the freezing water.

Wayne Ford, 51, from Chalgrove, jumped into the stream, opened the car door and kept her head above water to stop her drowning.

His colleague, Will Oliver, 20, from Wheatley, stopped traffic in the road and coordinated with ambulance and fire crews when they arrived.

The pair have been awarded the Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for Bravery for showing “outstanding courage in the face of overwhelming danger” during the February rescue.

Ms Birch-Machin, from Abingdon, escaped with minor injuries.

And last night, she met the men to whom she owes her life.

She said: “I firmly believed that my life had come to an end.

“I realised that there was no way that anyone could see me from the road. It would have been a horrible way to die.

“About 10 minutes elapsed and I was beginning to panic when I heard voices and Wayne and Will arrived on the scene. I realised then that I had a good chance of survival.”

While they were waiting for emergency services, two cars smashed into each other just yards from them during some of the worst winter conditions seen in years.

Ms Birch-Machin added: “I believe that Will and Wayne saved my life. They have big hearts.

“I wish the incident had never happened as I do have frightening flashbacks. On the other hand, I got to see a wonderful side of human nature.

“I will always share a special bond with Wayne and Will. I was delighted to hear of their bravery award.”

Mr Ford recalled: “We saw the car and I heard Helen screaming.

“The water was very deep and running fast.

“Her hand was trapped in the car door, so I opened it and wedged myself between her and the door and kept talking to her until the emergency services arrived.

He added: “I stayed with her throughout and both of us were very, very cold and wet.

“Looking back now I am glad that I did what I did and I would do it again.

“The award was an honour and a great surprise.”

Mr Oliver said: “When you see a terrible accident like that, your adrenalin just takes over and you just try to deal with the situation as quickly as possible.

“I’m just glad I could help and Helen was ok.”

Oxfordshire’s chief fire officer David Etheridge presented the awards.

He said: “It is always reassuring to know that there are exemplary citizens such as Wayne and Will who are prepared to stop and help instead of just driving past.”