QUICK-thinking staff and members of a Bromsgrove leisure centre saved the life of a squash player after he collapsed from a heart attack.

The man fell ill while playing squash at the David Lloyd Centre, in Slideslow Drive, at around 6pm last Sunday.

His heart had stopped and he wasn't breathing as staff rushed to treat him.

They fetched a defibrillator while an off-duty nurse and GP jumped from the running machines to attend to the patient.

Onlooker Caroline Eddins, from Bromsgrove and a member at the centre, said: "I was really impressed with how staff responded. I was on the running machine when I heard a thud as the squash player hit the floor. Soon after, someone came sprinting out of the court to get help.

"I was concerned for the man, but they seemed to have the situation under control."

Staff got his heart beating before ambulance crews arrived on the scene to stabilise him.

The man, who has not been named, was taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, at around 6.20pm.

A spokesman for the David Lloyd Centre said: "We can confirm that a man fell ill and collapsed at our club while on the squash court. Emergency services were called and our staff, who are qualified and experienced in first aid and resuscitation, quickly attended to him.

"After use of a defibrillator, which we maintain permanently at the centre, their combined efforts resuscitated him. We have stayed in touch with the hospital, and we wish the gentleman well in his recovery."