A DRIVER had an amazing escape after he sneezed and overturned his car – but walked away without a scratch.

Hartlepool man Paul Harrison suffered no injuries after he lost control of his Peugeot 206, which then burst into flames just seconds after he was dragged to safety.

Mr Harrison, 30, was driving along Brenda Road, near to the Tofts Farm Industrial Estate, in Hartlepool, when he lost control of his vehicle.

The engine immediately burst into flames and Mr Harrison had to be rescued by a passing motorist - who he today hailed as a hero.

Paul, who has been suffering with cold for the last week, told the Mail: "I was sneezing and my wheel clipped the kerb, which made the car roll.

"I can remember seeing flames coming out of the engine, but a young man in another car came over and helped pull me out. If it wasn't for him, I could have been stuck in there."

Paul, from Hart Lane, was on his way to pick up his niece when the accident happened near to the junction with Tofts Road West.

I don't drive fast," said Paul, who works at Huntsman Tioxide, in Greatham. "I've already got nine points on my driving licence[/color], so I couldn't handle another speeding ticket." [/color]