A MAN has expressed is gratitude to the policeman who administered life-saving first aid after he collapsed when his heart stopped.

Denis Peirson (correct) 79, was shopping in Bedale, North Yorkshire, on Saturday (October 25) for plumbing supplies for a DIY task when he suddenly felt faint.

He fell in the High Street outside the Old Black Swan – and luckily he was spotted by on-duty Inspector Eamon Clarke – who had joined the Bedale policing team just two weeks ago.

He said: “I didn’t see Mr Peirson fall, but I was just a few yards behind and saw the small crowd gather quickly.

“I ran over and saw he was unconscious, not breathing and had a head injury.

“I immediately started CPR – but I knew it would only work if I had got to him quickly enough.”

Luckily after a few minutes Mr Peirson regained consciousness and began breathing again.

With the help of members of the public, Insp Clarke reassured Mr Peirson until the ambulance service arrived.

Mr Peirson was then taken to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton before being transferred to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

He is now at home recovering, having had a pacemaker fitted - but doctors confirmed that Mr Peirson would have died if the CPR had not been given at the time.

Mr Peirson, from Kirby Fleetham, said: “I had been in town looking for some plumbing supplies, and having gone to one shop I went across to another one I suddenly felt dizzy and down I went.

“I don’t remember anything else. But while I was in hospital Insp Clarke visited twice and he has come to see me at home.

“I’m so grateful to him – I will definitely be keeping in touch with him for the rest of my life.”

Mr Peirson said he and his wife, Yvonne, were eternally grateful to Insp Clarke.

Insp Clarke added: “I was in the right place at the right time.

“I would also like to thank the members of the public who stopped to help as their assistance was invaluable.

“I do my training twice a year to keep my skills fresh and I have had to give CPR before but have not been successful which is heartbreaking.

“But to say I have saved someone’s life is fantastic and I’m so relieved to see him doing so well – I have told him he has to take it easy from now on.”