FRENCH Alps coach survivor Catrin Pugh hailed the driver who saved her life and all those on board as a "true hero" after he was awarded a posthumous Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

Catrin, from Rossett, said recognition for Maurice Wrightson's selfless act when the brakes on the coach he was driving failed was "well overdue".

On April 16, 2013, Mr Wrightson was bringing 51 British passengers home to the UK from France.

The coach was on a very steep mountainous road in the French Alps and as he approached a hairpin bend he realised the brakes were no longer responding.

Mr Wrightson had to make an immediate decision.

To avoid the risk of the coach failing to take the bend and tipping into the ravine alongside the road, Mr Wrightson chose instead to crash the coach into the rocks on the other side of the bend.

When it hit the boulders, the coach burst into flames.

Some passengers – including Catrin – received serious injuries and Mr Wrightson sadly lost his life.

However, his actions prevented the coach from falling into the ravine, which would have presented an even more serious risk to the lives of his passengers.

Responding to the news of his commendation, Catrin posted on Twitter: "The man that sacrificed himself to save mine & 50 other people’s lives getting some well overdue recognition for his bravery! Thank you Maurice!

"A Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for a true hero!"