JON Ker is used to helping save lives, but nothing could have prepared the paramedic for his terrible ordeal on a snowy mountain.

Now, the Great North Air Ambulance worker is being honoured for his bravery during an incident that, despite his remarkable efforts, left one friend dead and another seriously injured.

The 37-year-old and his friends ran into trouble when they found themselves exposed on the treacherous northern face of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, in January.

Tragically, they discovered exactly why the Gaelic name for the Scottish peak, which rises 4,406ft above sea level, translates as "terrible" or "venomous".

A table-sized rock used by generations of climbers to secure their ropes gave way and hurtled down the mountain side, taking his two friends with it.

Rupert Bennett, 39, was killed and 47-year-old Jim Martin lay badly injured in an ice gully - 300ft below Mr Ker.

Clinging desperately to the rock face while cutting himself free from the rope that attached the three together, Mr Ker had a decision to make - to stay where he was until rescuers arrived and let his friend die, or free-climb 500ft higher up the mountain, before scrambling down to a mountain rescue hut to radio for help.

He decided to go for help - knowing one slip on the icy rock face would pitch him to certain death.

His bravery on the day will be acknowledged by Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street, on Thursday.

Falklands War veteran Simon Weston, was a member of a judging panel which chose Mr Ker for one of only 11 Vodafone Life Savers Awards.

Mr Ker said: "I could have sat up there and waited to be rescued, but I just decided Jim had a chance - that if I just sat waiting to be rescued Jim was dead."

Mr Martin said: "Jon was in danger himself but, foolishly, climbed higher and struggled for two hours to reach the hut. He couldn't be sure I was still alive, but he put his own life on the line for me."

Unsure that his radio message had got through, Mr Ker climbed down the mountain and telephoned 999 on the mobile of a walker he met at the bottom. He has not climbed since the tragedy.