The quick-thinking actions of a kindergarten mum averted a potential catastrophe when she acted as a human shield as a runaway car threatened to plough through a busy shopping street.

Sharon Pitman had just dropped her daughter, Mia, off at the Tabernacle Kindergarten in Pembroke's Main Street, when a helper noticed an estate car rolling down the hill.

Mrs Pitman threw thoughts of her own safety to one side as she quickly stepped behind the vehicle in a bid to stop it running away.

Seconds later a passer-by stepped in to help and together they held the car back while another member of staff at the kindergarten went in search of the owner.

A piece of concrete was wedged behind one of the wheels to hold it still.

Kindergarten organiser Sandy Sinclair said the mortified owner was eventually tracked down. "She was very grateful that we had intervened but was also very shocked and apologetic when she realised what could have happened,'' said Mrs Sinclair.

She praised Sharon Pitman's bravery and was relieved the episode had a happy ending. "Sharon is a very petite person but she somehow had the strength to hold the car until help arrived.

"The consequences could have been pretty awful because there were lots of pedestrians and other vehicles around that morning.''

But Mrs Pitman, who lives in Lamphey, played down the whole affair. "Anyone else would have done the same in my position,'' she said. "The handbrake was down and the doors were locked so it was my only option.''

Watching the daring episode from the confines of the Tabernacle garden were a group of two and three-year-old children from the kindergarten.

Their reaction was typical of children of that age. "They thought their toys were far more exciting and couldn't wait to get back down to playing again!'' admitted Mrs Sinclair.