A THURROCK milkman has told of the dramatic moments when he encountered a young man contemplating ending his life by jumping from a bridge over the busy A13.

Paul Luke, who runs Eco Fresh dairy in Stanford-le-Hope has long been recognised as a community champion for his many good works.

But this morning (Saturday, 21 December) he encountered an incident that brought life and death to the forefront of his emotions.

Paul recalls what happened: "At around 1.40 I was doing the rounds as usual.

"I always keep an eye out early in the morning for anything which looks a little untoward and have become no stranger to solving crimes on the round.

"I was heading towards Basildon when I saw a young lad hunched over the railings on the bridge as you approach One Tree Hill.

"At first I thought he may have had too much to drink and was unwell but I thought I should stop to check he was ok."

He told me his life was not worth living and he was going to jump.

"I talked to him for about ten minutes and explained there must be lots to live for.

"I managed to alert the police and kept him chatting.

"I had a few laughs with him and he laughed a bit too, which trying to find some bits he was happy about.

Thankfully the police turned up and and were encouraging him about the positives after he got in their car as I left."