A HEREFORD student with learning difficulties came to the rescue of a man who was suffering an epileptic fit on a bus.

Thomas Roberts was returning home from college on the number 79 bus when he noticed a fellow passenger having a seizure.

The 22-year-old, who attends National Star College in Hereford, leapt into action.

Thomas held the man’s head so it wouldn’t hit the window and shouted out to get the driver’s attention.

While Thomas was reassuring the man, a fellow passenger got the driver to stop the bus.

The man’s family were called and they got him safely home.

The driver praised Thomas’s quick thinking and taking control of the situation.

Thomas, who can find using the bus difficult, puts his actions down to the training he has received.

“I knew what to do because I went on a course. I put my hand on his head so he wouldn't hurt himself on the window,” said Thomas, who lives in Redhill.

His parents, Tony and Tracey, have praised their son’s actions, saying that Thomas has grown in self-confidence since starting National Star this year.

“Thomas’s disabilities means that he suffers from anxiety,” said Tony.

“National Star has been very good with him and since he has started there he has much more self-belief and confidence.”

“This is a lad who normally wouldn’t say boo to a goose. He doesn’t like public transport. For him to take charge and to help this gentleman is something he would never have done six months ago,” said Tracey.

“We can’t thank National Star enough for their support and we are so proud of Thomas.”

Sean Ladd, from National Star, based in Harrow Road, said: “We are extremely proud of Thomas and the presence of mind he demonstrated, reacting as he did, to come to the gentleman’s aid.

“We have seen massive growth in Thomas’s confidence and self -belief during his short time at National Star College Hereford.”

National Star Hereford was launched three years ago and is based in Harrow Road. It provides specialist further education for young people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties, including work experience and relevant therapies such as physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.