When a waste and recycling worker arrived at a Stroud District Council sheltered scheme in Nailsworth to collect the weekly food waste, he leapt in to action after seeing a resident suffer a nasty fall.

Paul Cook, who works for Stroud District Council waste and recycling contractor Ubico, met 86 year old resident Bob Vosper, who was making his way to Concord's weekly residents' coffee morning. Seconds after exchanging a greeting, Bob missed his footing on the pavement and fell.

Quick-thinking Paul ran into Concord's communal lounge, instructed a resident to call the site officer, took some towels from the kitchen and within seconds was back to attend to Bob.

"He was bleeding quite heavily and I didn't want to move him, so I leaned his head against my legs and tried to stem the blood," he said.

Paul's colleagues continued on their rounds without him, and by the time the ambulance arrived and took Bob to hospital, the truck had arrived back at Concord to pick him up.

"I'd been kneeling down for about 45 minutes so it was a struggle to stand up," said Paul. "But if it was my granddad that fell I'd hope someone would help him."

Bob underwent tests, and after a short stay in hospital, was allowed back home, suffering from a broken cheekbone and cuts on his hands.

The following week the Ubico crew returned to Concord to collect the food waste again, and Paul went to find Bob and check on his progress.

"I arrived today on my scooter," said Bob. "I think it's safer."

Daniel Jacecko, Ubico's Operations and Transport Manger commented:

"Our front line staff play a big role in the community and we are very proud that they go above and beyond to help local residents when needed. Paul has represented one of our values "Do the Right Thing" in an exceptional way."