A TEENAGE trio from Somerset have been praised for their actions after helping a person in a vulnerable state on a railway line.

Jayden Burden, 14, and 16-year-old friends Grace Hewer and Ruby Parker stepped up after spotting a person in distress during the summer.

Grace called British Transport Police (BTP) before she and Ruby struck up conversation with the person – while Jayden contacted Network Rail to ask them for further support.

Great Western Railway flagship station manager for the Bristol area, Alex Hills, said: “These three teenagers showed incredible quick-thinking and acted on instinct.

“Everyone at Great Western Railway is incredibly proud of these three young people and can’t praise them enough for their quick-thinking.”

Network Rail station delivery manager, Gabriella Colwell, said: “The actions taken by Jayden, Grace and Ruby were remarkable – each of them took the initiative in a challenging situation. We’d like to thank them for showing such courage.

“Throughout the year, we work with Samaritans to show that each of us has the skills to help with a person in distress and these three teenagers proved that with their quick-thinking and level-headed actions. They are a brilliant example to us all.”

The trio were praised by bosses at Great Western Railway

Train enthusiast Jayden attends Ravenswood special education school in Nailsea, who presented him with a special award for maturity and braveness.

His dad, Rob, added: “Jayden likes to keep himself to himself but he really stepped out of his comfort zone on this occasion.

“We are so proud of him as he took charge of the situation, asked for help and possibly saved a person’s life.”

Grace, who started at Weston College in September, said: “I just tried to calm them down and reassure them everything was going to be okay.

“I didn’t really have time to think. It was just instinct.”

Samaritans has worked in partnership with the rail industry and British Transport Police to reduce suicides on the railway for more than 10 years, and has trained more than 31,000 rail and BTP staff to look out for passengers and make conversation if they feel someone might be vulnerable.

Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org.