AN Ilkley teenager's narrow escape from death has been dramatically reconstructed for the television cameras.

Fifteen year old Heather Coles-Bayes sparked an amazing rescue operation after becoming impaled on a railing spike in Stephenson's Way in November 1998.

Fire and ambulance crews worked side by side for two hours, aware that any movement while cutting her free could have fatal consequences.

Heather was eventually freed - with part of the railing spike still embedded in her neck - and rushed to Leeds General Infirmary where it was removed.

Thankfully Heather has since made a full recovery but her story will be shown as part of the BBC Emergency 999 programme's new series.

All those involved in the dramatic events of that November night have returned to Ilkley to recapture the event for the cameras.

Heather herself watched as her ordeal was filmed, using the actual emergency service members involved that night.

The teenager's part was played by fifteen year old Gemma Bedwell from Horsforth. Heather will be interviewed about her ordeal as part of the programme.

Liz Igoe, a researcher for the 999 programme, said: "I think everyone involved was very pleased with filming. I think Gemma did a wonderful job. I don't imagine it is the most pleasant of experiences being strapped to railings during filming. She was great, I know her dad, who was watching, was very proud of her."

The researcher said the reconstruction of Heather's ordeal was probably a mixed blessing for those involved. "I think while it might bring back some unpleasant memories, it allows those involved to meet up and talk about their experience and their emotions that night."

The 999 crew said the shoot had actually taken longer than first thought and they were delighted with the emergency crew members who had been only too happy to return for extra filming. "They were all absolutely fantastic," said Liz Igoe.

One of those to feature in the reconstruction will be Ilkley fire station commander Jim Hainsworth. He said: "It was like Heather was at the end of a tuning fork. Any vibrations on the railings at all could have killed her. I hope this will help to show people how to react in emergency situations. For a young girl Heather reacted remarkably well and always kept calm."

The programme is also likely to feature pizza shop manager Danitos Safa, the man first on the scene, who played a vital role in saving Heather's life by telling her not to move and then supporting her.

Commander Hainsworth said: "He was instrumental in saving her life. If he hadn't done what he did, Heather would not be here now."

Heather's story will feature in the new 999 series which starts in April. However, all those involved are likely to have a sneak preview of the programme when it is

completed.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.