A VAN driver is being hailed a hero after saving the life of a motorist who had a fit while driving along a busy dual carriageway.

Thanks to Tony Smith's quick thinking, the driver escaped possible death after Tony used his van to slow the car to safety.

Tony was delivering a photocopier when he noticed a blue Ford Fiesta swerving across the Upton Bypass on Tuesday at about 11am.

As the Fiesta careered along the central reservation at over 50mph with the driver - a young man in his 20s - out of control, Tony knew he had to do something.

The 36-year-old workshop manager at Southampton office suppliers Condor explained: "The car directly in front was flashing its hazard lights to get my attention and as we got nearer we could see the driver of the Fiesta was slumped over the wheel. He was shaking violently, having a fit.

"Suddenly, the car veered left quickly and ran up on to the verge on the left of the road.

"It must have clipped something on that side of the road, because it then shot right across the dual carriageway into the central reservation."

Tony, of Chafen Road, Bitterne, added: "On the left of the road was a number of trees which then gave way to a big embankment.

"As soon as I saw the car hit the central reservation I floored it.

"I undertook the car, positioned my van right in front of it and slowed down until it was touching the back of the van.

"I braked slowly until the car had come to a complete standstill."

Concerned for the driver, Tony dialled 999 then rushed to the Fiesta, which was now badly scraped and dented.

Ambulance crews arrived shortly and rushed the man to nearby Poole Hospital, where yesterday his condition is said to be non-life threatening.

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service said: "This member of the public helped prevent the situation escalating into something far more serious and we would commend him for his actions."

Tony said: "Everyone's been clapping and calling me a hero but I don't see myself as that. I didn't really have time to think about, I just did what needed to be done."