A TRAFFIC warden has been hailed as a hero after saving a pensioner's life.

One of Britain's favourite hate figures shot from zero to hero when he spotted Leasowe OAP Doris Williams about to be run over by a bus.

Chris Stuart's quick thinking prevented Mrs Williams from being seriously injured on Oliver Street car park, Birkenhead, when the bus very nearly reversed over her motablity scooter.

Chris heard Mrs Williams' screams and rushed to the rescue, as the large minibus reversed without seeing her sitting on the scooter.

Panicking, Mrs Williams could not move the scooter out of the way.

But Chris ran and banged on the side of the bus forcing the driver to stop, just as the back bumper touched the scooter's basket.

Mrs Williams twisted her knee trying to jump of the scooter, but managed to escape otherwise unharmed.

The pensioner, from Ross Avenue, said: "Chris's quick thinking saved me from a serious accident.

"We call traffic wardens all sorts, but really they are just normal people doing their job, and that bit extra.

"Chris is very polite and really did save me from being hurt or killed.

"I will always be grateful - as long as he never gives me a ticket!"

Chris, who works for NCP Services, Wirral Council's contractor, said: "I heard Mrs Williams screaming and I just managed to stop the bus in time.

"Anyone would have done it.

"Luckily I was just there at the right time."

Wirral council's cabinet member for transport and Streetscene, Cllr Jean Quinn, said: "Our parking attendants aren't just around to ensure that people park safely and legally.

"They do also act as a car crime deterrent and in circumstances like this they can even save a life.

"Well done, Chris."