SCHOOLBOY heroes saved two elderly women in the path of a train at the busy Highams Park level crossing.

The women, both in their 80s, were trapped behind the closing barriers after they fell over in Hale End Road.

With just seconds before the train arrived, the schoolboys sprang into action and pulled the women to safety.

We were unable to trace the boys but believe they are Year 11 students from Highams Park School, currently in the middle of their GCSE exams.

Winnie Howard, 80, said: "There isn't enough time to get over that crossing. We had one more step to go but the barrier came down on us and we both fell over.

"The boys lifted the barrier up and helped us out into the street. They were great. It could have been a nasty accident if they hadn't helped."

Both women were shaken by their falls and took a few moments to recover in a nearby chemist's shop.

But they managed to make their way to their club at All Saints Church soon after their terrifying experience.

Mrs Howard said: "I am thinking about making a formal complaint. I don't want this to happen to anyone else who may not be as lucky as us."

Safety fears have been raised about the crossing by the Guardian in recent years.

A spate of similar accidents happened around two years ago, and concerns about level crossings around the country are also frequently highlighted.

Iris Ifield, of Chingford, was using the crossing shortly after the accident on Monday.

Mrs Ifield said: "I try to walk as quickly as I can over that crossing and so far I haven't had any problems but I do get very nervous.

"It was much better when the gates were manned. I felt a lot safer."

The crossing is managed by Network Rail and is claimed to give a 15-second warning before the barriers lower.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "The crossing at Highams Park is fitted with flashing lights and audible alarms that give pedestrians sufficient warning that the barriers will be lowering.

"We will look into this incident but this level crossing is perfectly safe if used correctly. "

Any members of the public wishing to report incidents at this or other level crossings should call Network Rail's national helpline on 08457 11 41 41.