A HERO who saved a man from death by hauling him through the sunroof of his blazing car has been honoured for his bravery.

Building contractor Joe Taylor went to the rescue when he saw a pile-up on the opposite carriageway of the M25.

Having run across four lanes of traffic to the wreckage, Mr Taylor grabbed a fire extinguisher from a tanker and tried to douse the trapped motorist through his smashed window.

Mr Taylor, of South Park Farm, Forest Row, near Crowborough, said: The petrol tank had ruptured and the whole thing was alight.

"The inside was filled with smoke and flames. The driver started screaming to get him out. I jumped on to the top, grabbed him under the arms and hauled him out."

Building contractor Mr Taylor, 43, and his wife Caroline comforted the man until the emergency services arrived. Mr Taylor has not heard from the man since.

The father-of-two was presented with the Queen's Commendation for Bravery by the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Phyllida Stewart-Roberts in Crowborough.

Mr Taylor said: "Getting an honour from the Queen is as high as you can go so I'm extremely pleased."