Conductor nominated for bravery accolade

North-east residents have banded together to nominate a heroic conductor for a prestigious award.

Nicola Whyte, from Huntly, was travelling on the 6.38am service when it derailed on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old off-duty conductor, despite being injured in the crash, managed to walk three miles to raise the alarm with emergency services

At the time, Huntly councillor Gwyneth Petrie said: “Being on that train must have been horrific – it’s unimaginable – and yet Nicola overcame that, and her injuries, to ensure she could make that call for help.

“She is a hero – her actions on that day saved others, and her bravery is to be commended.”

Now, people from across the north-east have come together in the hope of having Ms Whyte’s actions recognised.

She has been nominated in the Pride of Britain awards – in the “outstanding bravery” category which recognises adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger.