CANCER patients whose bus broke down as they were heading for treatment have been rescued by police officers.

Patients from York and Selby were heading to have radiotherapy treatment at St James' University Hospital in the York Against Cancer minibus when the bus broke down.

A mechanic was due to be despatched to fix the minibus but he would not reach them at Kippax for an hour - meaning the patients would miss their treatments.

As they were waiting, PC Nick Rookes of West Yorkshire Police pulled over to ask if they had a problem.

Jan Wilford, office manager at York Against Cancer, said: "PC Rookes asked what was wrong and the driver said he had a faulty tyre but he was concerned because the passengers had appointments."

She said PC Rookes called his colleagues PC Michelle Rookes and PC Andy Senior who arrived and drove the patients straight to hospital with blue lights flashing.

Ms Wilford said: "We were surprised but I think the patients were quite excited.

"It will have meant a lot. Had they have had to wait any longer, I think people would have started to become concerned."

York Against Cancer has now written to West Yorkshire Police to thank them for their assistance.

Inspector Joanne Field, of the West Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Unit said said: "We are always happy to serve the community and were pleased to help."

Every day the York Against Cancer minibus runs free of charge taking patients from York to Leeds for radiotherapy treatment at St James Teaching Hospital.

By catching the minibus it removes any concern patients have about driving or parking whilst having their treatment and it means they can support one another on the journey.