A LORRY driver from Farnworth who helped save a woman who "didn't want to be here anymore" is urging other drivers to keep an eye out when they see people alone on bridges.

Adam Allen from Highfield was driving along Anchor Lane over the M61 when he spotted a young woman standing alone at 6.30pm on the bridge.

Mr Allen, aged 28, pulled over, got out of his cab and spoke to the young woman, he wants others to do the same.

He said: "If you see someone on a bridge, stop and see what the problem is."

Mr Allen spoke to the young woman who he thought was around 25 and began asking her about how she was feeling.

He said: "She wasn't in the best place obviously, and I managed to speak to her. I calmed her down and asked her about her personal life.

"She said, 'I don't want to be here anymore' and wanted to end her life."

Mr Allen was able to guide her away from the edge of the motorway bridge.

He said: "When I got to the bottom where it was safe I gave her a hug and she started crying."

Mr Allen then called the woman's mother.

The lady's mother came to pick her up straight away and at 9pm that night Mr Allen received a text from the girl.

He said: "I received a message from that girl, it said 'I hope you understand how special you are, it was lovely what you did tonight'."

The bridge is owned by Highways England and has a sign on it asking if people are struggling to cope with a number to ring for help and support.

Highways England has a suicide prevention strategy to help reduce the number of people who take their own lives. Highways England says: "We understand that suicide is never inevitable, it is always preventable"

n If you are anyone you know are going through a difficult time and need to talk, the Samaritans are there to help.

Call 116123 from any phone or visit their website www.samaritans.co.uk. It is free and someone is always there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.