A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER has been reunited with the Good Samaritan who nursed her after her scalp was ripped open during a bus journey.

Barbara Botten suffered a 15-in wound to her head after flying into a hand rail when the driver of the 96 bus slammed on his brakes in East Hill, Dartford.

As Mrs Botten lay on the bus floor, fellow passenger Tracey Clark comforted the 77-year-old and tried to stem the bleeding.

Mrs Botten's husband Bill, 84, appealed to News Shopper readers to find the Good Samaritan who helped his wife and now the pair have been reunited.

Miss Clark was delighted to discover Mrs Botten, of Milford Close, Abbey Wood, was recovering from the March 4 incident.

The 42-year-old, of Church Road, Bexleyheath, said: "It is a relief to know she is OK.

"I saw her being taken away in the ambulance. I stuck my thumb up and she smiled but I didn't know her name."

The merchandising manager added: "It was horrific. Blood was running down her eyes and ears and now I can understand why.

"I started shouting at the other passengers to get tissues.

"Her scalp was hanging off and I could see her skull but I tried not to look."

Miss Clark, who was travelling with her 11-year-old daughter Darrian at the time of the accident, said: "I kept talking to her, trying to keep her jovial.

"I don't think I've done anything heroic. Anyone would have done the same."

Mrs Botten needed 200 stitches, lost two pints of blood, spent four days in hospital and is still suffering from headaches.

She said: "It was kind of Tracey to help and fantastic to be able to say thank you.

"I remember someone helping me but I couldn't remember what they looked like.

"It was a kind thing to do and I'm glad News Shopper was able to help find her."

Mr Botten said: "It was fantastic to be able to say thank you.

"They were angels in the hospital and we have got angels up above.

"Tracey was my angel who came to save my wife."