A loving grand-daughter today told how an off-duty paramedic saved her grandad's life and gave her an extra special birthday present.

Lucky to be alive - Langley James, 86, with fireman son-in-law Peter and grand-daughter Carly. Mr James was saved by an off-duty paramedic after suffering a heart attack in a pub Picture: ANNA LUKALA

Carly Bennett, 17, was celebrating her birthday surrounded by her family when her grandfather suddenly collapsed and slumped forward, suffering from a heart attack.

However, paramedic John Antonie, of Constable Way, Shoebury, was sitting nearby in the Anne Boleyn pub, Rochford, and rushed over to give first aid.

Langley James, 86, of Imperial Court, Westcliff, had just finished his steak and chips when his heart failed and he stopped breathing.

His distraught family were frantic. Talking about the incident, Carly's father Peter, 42, a fireman at Southend, said: "I recognised the paramedic, but I didn't immediately remember his name so I just called out.

"He ran over and immediately saw my father-in-law was not breathing. He gave him CPR with mouth-to-mouth and a thump on his chest and he came round. I was so pleased. Afterwards it was just a case of looking after him until the ambulance and the on-duty paramedics arrived."

Published Wednesday August 25, 2004