A Heybridge supermarket worker has been nominated for the Proud to be Asda award, after she rescued her colleague from a car crash in May this year.

28-year-old Sean Royle, from Asda's Heybridge store, nominated fellow supermarket worker Abbie Gibbons, 19, for the award today (Wednesday, 21 July) after she rescued him from a car crash on Maypole Road on 5 May.

Both colleagues had just finished their shifts and were travelling in separate cars when Sean hit a bump in the road and lost control of his vehicle on Maypole Road. Minutes later, Abbie came across Sean's overturned car, with a smoking engine, which had hit a ditch, rolled over and then hit one of the only trees for about 500m.

Abbie phoned the emergency services before helping Sean to escape his car, with the help of other motorists, and laying him on some grass. They covered Sean in coats and comforted him until the paramedics arrived - Abbie also stayed on the scene for over an hour to speak with the responders and Sean's family.

Sean, who has worked as ambient section leader at the store for a year, said: "I really can't thank Abbie enough - she saved my life. I dread to think what would have happened if she hadn't been there.

"I was very, very lucky. The police said it was one of the worst car crash wrecks they'd seen."

He said: "She did the best she could to get myself out of potential further danger whilst awaiting the emergency services."

Sean suffered two rib fractures, a punctured lung, a fractured shoulder, facial fractures and a cut to his head in the crash. He has been recovering at home, and hopes to return to work next week after almost three months off.

He added: "Abbie had an overtime shift the next day which she still turned up to, much to the surprise of everyone - but she didn't want to let the team down by not going in.

"She also picked up a lot of extra shifts to cover my absence as well as making a couple of trips to the hospital to check on me and make sure I was recovering."

Abbie said: "It was pretty scary, but it wasn't about me - it was all about Sean. I didn't really have time to think, I just go on with things. I can't really remember much of it. It's only when you look back and think 'Oh my God, how on earth did I do that?'"

She continued: "I'm just glad he's recovering. Sean's lovely. He knows everyone and you can't not like him. He always puts everyone before himself."

Sean previously nominated Abbie for the May service superstar award for the Essex, Kent and south London supermarket region - which covers 20 stores - but she lost against six other people.

She remains a winner in her proud colleague's eyes, regardless of the outcome of the nominations. Sean said: "I, for certain, as well as others at the Heybridge store, know she doesn't need an award for her actions to know how much of an amazing young lady she is and that I will be forever grateful for all she has done."

He added: "Abbie is no ordinary person and is constantly putting other people's needs before her own.

"It is a true pleasure to be part of the same team as this absolute superstar. She's a prime example of not only an exemplary colleague but an all-round incredible person."

Store manager Matt Cork said: "She's such a great, outgoing, fun colleague who gets on with everyone. She is a true asset to our store."