Retro: How brave Arthur grabbed a terrified horse as it bolted through a Blackpool street

His bravery made him a local hero - and threatened to ruin his life.

It all happened back in 1913 in Bonny Street, just behind the Golden Mile.

He was born in Wrexham, then lived in Cork, Ireland, where he met and married his wife.

They went to Manchester for a while, then came to Blackpool with their three young children and had a home in Drummond Avenue, Layton.

Arthur ran a shop in Bonny Street and the future looked bright.

But everything changed one summer afternoon when a landau was parked near the shop and the horse bolted.

The official citation, prepared by the Blackpool Chief Constable of the day, explained: “The horse galloped at full speed along the narrow and busy thoroughfare. Many women and children were about at the time and there was great danger of a serious accident.”

Arthur didn’t think twice.

He grabbed the bridle of the terrified animal and was dragged along as he tried to slow it down.

Then the horse kicked him and sent him spinning into the air in a somersault.

He landed in a sitting position with both his legs broken.

But he had turned the horse’s head and it fell as the landau wheel hit the kerb and overturned. The danger was over.

A nurse gave Arthur first aid on the scene including a splint on one leg and the ambulance picked him up. He was hailed as a hero but within months serious problems had set in. Unable to work, he appointed a manager who allowed credit and the shop went bankrupt.

Soon, Arthur was a pauper with just 35p a week from the Board of Guardians - the local worthies who administered what then passed for benefits - to support his wife and family.

But the Chief Constable recognised his case.

He arranged for free food and clothing for the children, a gift of £5 and a bravery award from the Carnegie Institute - a charity set up by Scottish- born steel magnate Andrew Carnegie who made his fortune in America.

Arthur and his wife had seven children. He died in 1959, aged around 84 years.