A FAMILY holiday was saved thanks to the kindness of a total stranger.

Holidays can be stressful; packing, passport, sun cream and that’s before you even think about getting to the airport.

For one family, this journey turned into a nightmare when they ended up stranded near Carlisle.

Lorraine Sweeney, from Glasgow, was en route with her husband and young daughter when their car suddenly broke down. Worried they would not make the flight the family started to panic.

That was until George Guest and his girlfriend appeared.

Lorraine, a headteacher, said: “They saved the day.

“We were flying to Majorca from Newcastle with two other families everything was fine I fell asleep in the car.

“I woke up because my husband had stopped the car, we had no idea where we were, and there was a steering malfunction.

“This man with his girlfriend came out of his drive with his motorbike. Before we knew it he said ‘we’ll put the bike away and take you to the airport’. He even helped arrange the repairs on the car.

“We asked the recovery vehicle to come after five so George would be back home, he then arranged for it to go to Bryan Fells garage.

“They kept in contact with us over the holiday. After our holiday it didn’t stop, the garage even came and picked us back up, so we could collect our car.”

Rescuer George, who lives in Scotby, said: “I was just going for a ride out on my motorbike with my girlfriend.

“I came out of the drive and saw Lorraine with her daughter looking very concerned.

“At first I thought they were looking for directions, then she explained their car had broken down and they were on their way to the airport.

“She was worried and she had a little girl. I just said if we get your car on to my drive I will take you.

“I think they were a little shocked.

“I had to help. What sort of world would it be if we didn’t help each other?”

George added: “People should help others more often. I see lots of people pulling one another apart on the internet and so many put headphones in and live in their own world.

“If everyone just looked round and helped each other it would be a better place.”