Cool action by a lady porter saved the life of a six-years-old boy at Rushden L.M.S. Station on Tuesday evening.

  Bobby Hawkins (6), of 98, St. Margaret’s-avenue, and Michael Bunning (5), of 108, St. Margaret’s-avenue, were playing on the platform during the evening, and it appears that they were more than once sent off by the staff.

  When a porter, Mrs. Violet Edith Wilson, of 121, Hall-avenue, emerged from the porters’ room in readiness for the arrival of the 7.45 p.m. train from Wellingborough, she saw the boys again on the platform.  About 250 yards away the smoke of the train was visible as it passed beneath the Washbrook-road bridge.

  At that moment a scuffle was seen, and Bobby Hawkins fell on to the track, where he lay with his head resting on the inside rail.  Blood was flowing from his forehead.

  Without hesitation Mrs. Wilson jumped down to the track and succeeded in carrying the child clear of the lines before the train reached the platform, afterwards taking him into the station buildings.

Sent To Hospital

  The boy was in a dazed condition and had a deep cut on the forehead.  The stationmaster, Mr. W. Malloney, 'phoned for the police and a doctor.  P.C. Neal and Special Sgt. Skeeles were first to arrive, followed by Dr. W. Forrester and P.S. Thompson.

  After giving treatment the doctor sent for an ambulance, and young Hawkins was taken to Northampton General Hospital.

  High praise is given to Mrs. Wilson for her quick decision and efficient action at a time when other women on the platform were shrinking back in alarm.  Without her aid the boy’s only chance of escape would have been the driver’s ability to stop the train.