A couple from the north of the island had a lucky escape after crashing their car on the Mountain Road in icy conditions.

Their car was prevented from heading off down a steep drop by fencing.

But they were both stuck in the vehicle, which had come to a standstill just off the road.

The driver has chosen to speak about the accident now to thank the police officer, PC Tom Duke, who attended the scene, for the help he provided.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, explained: ’On January 9 I was driving along the A18 Mountain Road towards Ramsey when I lost control of my car on a patch of ice.

’It took me completely by surprise as I was taking great care, having already been shopping to Douglas so was aware the conditions were quite poor and my car is a very powerful model.

’However,the worst happened and the car was heading towards to drop on the left-hand side.

’Fortunately, the fence slowed the car to a standstill just off the road.’

She added: ’My husband was in the passenger seat and was unable to get out as the car was wedged against the fence and being disabled, nor could I as my wheelchair was in the boot along with rather a large amount of shopping .’

A couple in a passing vehicle stopped to see whether they were okay and then called the police.

The woman said: ’We only had a short wait and one of the officers, PC Duke, lifted my wheelchair out so I could escape, and then my husband.

’He arranged for the breakdown truck to collect the car and insisted on taking us home.

’The car had to be emptied and he walked back and forth with all the boxes, which weren’t in bags, loading them in the police car.

’On arriving at our home he took all the boxes indoors, went through my documents, and then went back to work.’

Nominating PC Duke for Isle of Man Newspapers’ Community Police Officer of the Year award, she said: ’I think he deserves a pat on the back .’

PC Duke has already been nominated for this year’s award by the Howard/ Brough family, of Ramsey, alongside Detective Constable Emily McLean, for their support to the family through an illness and bereavement.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Laura said: ’They both displayed great empathy and great support all while being fantastic police officers, so as a family , we couldn’t think of two people more deserving.’

PC Duke attended an incident in relation to her grandma, who had been diagnosed with vascular dementia.

’She wasn’t very good with new faces but straight away he managed to calm her down and talk to her on her level.

’She instantly became relaxed and was able to explain what was happening. He even talked to her in the hospital when she was an in-patient when visiting somebody else.’

PC Duke joined the constabulary as a regular officer in September 2016 after two years as a special constable.

He has been based in the northern neighbourhood policing team for two years.

He said the role sees him working with members of the public suffering with their mental health, illness and ’just generally in the darkest parts of their lives’.

Support

’I am a firm believer in treating others how you would wish to be treated and I stick to that when doing my job,’ he said. ’When members of the public contact the police they are at a complete loss, not knowing who else to call.

’I will be the first to say I don’t always have the answer or the means to help how they hoped but I will always do my best to help and support them.’

â?¢ Nominations have now closed. A judging panel at Isle of Man Newspapers will choose the winner, who will be presented with their trophy at the Chief Constable’s annual awards ceremony.