Showing just how important it is that a community pulls together in a crisis local hero Tom Yates today has restored Wigans faith in humanity. A local family were out walking their puppy today through the streets of Wigan when the heavens opened. Despite it being a previously sunny evening, the torrential rain started at around 8pm and startled residents through out the town. Worst effected were the Smith family who were out walking a small puppy at the time. Unfortunately the loud crashes of thunder startled the puppy that ran off in the opposite direction. Poor vision meant that the family were unable to follow the puppy that was then left to fend for itself in the wild storm. Distressed the family continued to search the streets for their beloved family pet. They even begged the help of neighbours who donned rain macs to search for the young pup.

Meanwhile on the other side of the town local lad Tom Yates was braving the weather in his car. The rain meant that the roads were quiet and he was driving cautious. It has been many years since Wigan has seen driving conditions this dangerous. Whilst turning a corner on a main road Tom spotted a trembling wreck in the middle of the road. He had to swerve to miss the bundle of fur, narrowly missing the wall of a house and 3 lamp-posts. At this point Tom was unaware of exactly it was that he was trying to avoid, however showing true bravery he jumped out of his car and dashed towards what turned out to be the young puppy scared of its life. Unsurprisingly the puppy was cold, wet and shivering. Tom immediately scooped up the young pup and took him into the warmth of his car. It is probably the quick thinking of Mr. Yates that saved this puppys life, he immediately wrapped the puppy in a spare jacket located on the back seat of the car and turned up the heating in the vehicle.

Knowing that somewhere a family would be pining for their beloved pet, Tom made it his mission to reunite them. Despite incredibly poor driving conditions and it getting later a night, Tom drove around Wigan until he was able to locate the family. This was no easy feat but he was determined that he would make things right. Eventually after some time he spotted the distraught family and their helpers searching for the small helpless puppy. He beckoned them over, to show them that the puppy was happily snoozing on the front passenger seat of his car.

Everyone was amazed at the effort Tom had gone to in order to make sure that the puppy got home safe. They couldn’t believe that some one would go to that much effort to ensure other peoples happiness. It has been a heart warming story shared between neighbours since the incident and Tom is truly a local hero.