A HERO train driver from Rosyth saved a young boy on a busy track.

Martin McManus, who has been driving trains for four years, spotted a three-year-old boy running along the track near Wester Hailes station when he took him to safety just before a 60mph train passed. 

Martin told the Press: "I was shocked when I first saw the boy. It’s not what you expect to see on the railway. 

"I’ve seen trespassers on the line before but never a small child in a distressed state. It was very different.

"I was very relieved when I knew that he was safe, he could have come to harm on the tracks."

Martin beat off stiff competition from more than 7,000 colleagues to become ScotRail's Employee of the Year 2016 as a result of his bravery in April.

He was driving the opposite way, when he saw the child that has been separated from his mother trying to catch a train. 

He immediately stopped his train and averted a disaster by bringing the boy to safety. 

He continued: "It feels amazing to be recognised, although I was very humbled at being nominated – I only put the training and knowledge that the railway has provided me in to practice. 

"It’s very much a team effort – dispatchers, conductors and drivers all working together every single day to deliver for our customers.”

Martin was one of 13 shortlisted for the prize voted by colleagues, his win was announced at the second annual Your Recognition Awards held in Glasgow. 

Congratulating Martin, Phil Verster, managing director at ScotRail Alliance, said: "Our people are vital in making sure our railway works, so it is right that those who work tirelessly and give so much to our industry every single day are deservedly recognised. 

"There are over seven thousand people who work extremely hard day and night, and in all weather conditions, to keep Scotland’s railway running.

"I’m proud to have Martin represent the ScotRail Alliance. It’s great to get the chance to say thank you to a deserving winner and to recognise him for his efforts."

Follow ScotRail colleague George Reynolds, who works at Dunfermline Customer Service Centre, was also recognised at the awards for his outstanding contribution to customer service. 

Kenny Blythe, of Dalgety Bay, also won the Leader of the Year title at the employee awards. 

The local operations manager in Edinburgh said: "I would really like to thank my manager for the nomination, I’m really proud to have won.

"Although I don’t consider myself to be an outstanding leader, I consider myself proud to have an outstanding team around me – we are one team.”