A YOUNG gardener has been praised for coming to the rescue of an elderly motorist in a petrol station.

The woman, who is believed to be in her eighties, was struggling to put petrol in her car in Morrisons in Bolton town centre.

And when 20-year-old Gareth Houilbecq, who was filling up his work van, saw the woman struggling, he went over to help her.

The pensioner told him that her husband was suffering from dementia and he usually sorted the car out.

Mr Houilbecq said: “I saw that she was struggling to get out of the car and then she was struggling to get the pump off so I went over to her and she was just really emotional.

“She broke down in the forecourt and I really felt for her because my grandmother is going through the same thing as her husband has dementia too.

“I helped her with the pump and then while she was putting it back I went inside and paid for the petrol with mine.”

Mr Houilbecq, who is from Smithills, then saw that a warning light for low tyre pressure had come on in the woman’s car and helped her sort it.

He added: “I just felt sorry for her. It is not just because it is Christmas — I would help people whenever. I just saw that she genuinely needed help so I took the initiative to help her.

“She was a very emotional and genuine woman and I just wanted to do what I could to help.”

Jan Cornwell was also at the petrol station and was impressed by the random act of kindness.

She said: “I was with my colleague and we saw this old lady struggling and the next thing we saw was this young man go over and help her.

“We were speaking to her and the man came back and said he had paid for her petrol.

“I know it is nearly Christmas and people do kind things but to see it happen is lovely, it restores my faith in humanity.

“She was struggling and she was on her own — there was no one else to help her.”

Mr Houilbecq, who works for Prestige Garden Services, did not expect to receive praise for his actions.

He said: “I am surprised that someone has called the paper about it because I think it was something that everyone would do.

“I have always been taught to respect my elders, I wasn’t doing it to make myself feel better or for other people to think I am a good person, I just wanted to help her.”

Have you seen any random acts of kindness or know the lady who was helped? Get in touch with us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk