A DRIVER is desperate to track down the people he believes saved his life after he was in a horrific crash.

Steve Dredge was left with a broken nose and ribs after the serious accident on the A27 on Saturday but is convinced he only survived because of the help he received from passersby who rushed to his aid, and the work of the emergency services.

The 44-year-old, of Brighton, and his fiancée Kerri Barnes, were driving to Eastbourne for the day when his white Dacia crashed head-on with a Vauxhall Astra at the Selmeston junction at around 11am.

The impact knocked them over to the other side of the road and the last thing Mr Dredge remembers was asking if Ms Barnes was ok before falling unconscious. He knows very little of what happened next until he regained consciousness in the ambulance on the way to the Royal Sussex County Hospital. He is eager to thank those who helped him in the moments immediately after the crash.

He said: "I'm not an emotional person but I can honestly say these people saved my life.

"They suspected I had a broken back and a broken pelvis but I was lucky to have just a broken nose and ribs. It could have been a lot worse.

"I was told there were ordinary people just like me who rushed to help us after the crash. I have managed to get in contact with a few people already but there was one man in particular who I was told was the first on the scene who I would really like to contract.

"Even if I don't get to speak to them, if they can just know that we are ok and that we owe them our gratitude."

Ms Barnes, 40, managed to walk free from the car but is recovering from minor injuries.

Mr Dredge said they are both "battered and bruised" and recovering at home but feel incredibly grateful.

He added: "Everyone from the ordinary people, to the emergency workers and the doctors were brilliant.

"It has made us re-think a few things and has also restored our faith in humanity."

The pair are now focussing on the future and their forthcoming marriage in five months.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash to call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting 464 of 30/04.

If you were one of the people who helped Mr Dredge call The Argus on 01273 544539 to pass on your details.