A heroic schoolboy has been recognised after he reportedly pulled a child from a smoking car following a collision in Birkenhead.

15-year-old Oliver Galloway was presented with a £100 cheque by the Wirral Copper Jar in acknowledgement of his bravery.

The incident happened on the afternoon of Wednesday January 29, when a black Vauxhall Corsa collided with a white BMW on the junction of Merlin Road, North Road and Borough Road.

It is understood that having witnessed the event, Oliver, who attends Co-Op Academy in Bebington, realised that a child was trapped in the car and with the vehicle beginning to fill with smoke, sprung into action.

The teenager was able to drag the 10-year-old child to safety before returning to the scene to assist a woman who had managed to escape herself.

He then instructed a man to run for a fire extinguisher and passed his phone to another passer-by to call 999.

Emergency services attended the scene with the drivers of both vehicles and the young child assessed at the scene by the North West Ambulance Service.

Firefighters administered oxygen to an individual and one person was then transferred to hospital for further assessment.

Oliver’s mother, Vicky Beaman said: “I can not describe the immense pride I feel that my son without hesitation saved the child.

“Luckily both mum and child are both well, just shaken! Oliver I am incredibly proud of your bravery and courage.”

No arrests were made at the scene.

Co-Op Academy Bebington headteacher Catherine Kelly said: "Clearly we're delighted that Oliver was able to use quick wit and actions that potentially saved lives.

"As a school community, we echo the views of his mum and family in that we are tremendously proud of him.

"He has received a headteacher commendation and been thanked for his actions by governors and the Co-Op Academies Trust."

The Wirral Copper Jar is a not-for-profit organisation set up to assist the local community. It receives funding from donations and every month members select people to receive a sum of money.

The fun exists to help people in need or to recognise individuals who support charities, animals or people in need.