By John Connell

Last updated at 12:38, Friday, 26 October 2012

A Workington floods hero who saved lives is to be honoured next month on ITV’s Surprise Surprise.

Brendan Pickering

Northside Bridge had been on the brink of collapse when quick-thinking Brendan Pickering, 50, of Burrow Walls, stopped traffic from using it during the floods of 2009.

He had been on the quaking bridge minutes before it crumbled into the River Derwent, plunging PC Bill Barker to his death.

In the week that the new £11.2m Northside Bridge was opened by Princess Anne it was revealed that Mr Pickering had been nominated by friend Jimmy Dixon to appear on the show because of his bravery.

But speaking to the News & Star Mr Pickering denied it.

It is understood that he may have been instructed to remain tight-lipped as part of his agreement with ITV.

But producers have confirmed that he will be on the show, presented by Holly Willoughby, on November 11.

Mr Pickering had been walking his three dogs just after 5am on November 20 2009 when the bridge began to pitch and buck.

Speaking at the time, he said: “I heard a loud whooshing and there was a big splash. A bit of the sand stone parapet was missing.”

What he initially thought was a puddle was the river running under a gap in the bridge.

Mr Pickering stopped vehicles and alerted the emergency services – who initially thought he was telling them about the damaged Calva Bridge.

A van driver at the southern end of the bridge parked sideways to stop a bus and a lorry from crossing.

PC Barker and a female police officer reached the town side of the bridge moments later.

He took his dogs back home and when he later returned to the bridge, the female police officer told him about the tragedy.

“She looked upset and stressed but, fair play to her, she never moved off the bridge.”

At the time Mr Pickering admitted he had been shaken by the incident.

In August 2011 Mr Pickering had been one of four men to receive honours from the Royal Humane Society for their work during the floods.

Bus inspectors David Hoare, 65, of Poole Road, Workington, and Kevin Sheehan, 38, of Main Street, Frizington each received a Certificate of Commendation while PC Barker was given a posthumous award.

First published at 12:10, Friday, 26 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk