A MAN who collapsed and "died" of a heart attack at the bottom of Aylestone Hill in Hereford was brought back to life by a quick thinking, off-duty firefighter.

Station Commander Philip Major revived Malcolm Evans ensuring he had essential air in his lungs until medical help arrived.

Malcolm, of Judges Close, had got a lift with his sister, Vicky Hopson to attend a hospital appointment and arranged to give her a call when his check-up was over.

Not wanting to bother his sister, he began to walk towards Aylestone Hill when he collapsed on the pavement after having a heart attack.

Philip was taking his eight-year-old daughter to choose her birthday cake when he saw the incident in his car wing mirror as he waited in traffic.

He explained: "He grabbed on to the fence - he did not look very well. I was out of the car by the time he hit the ground."

Explaining how his skills as a fire- fighter, which have helped rescue hundreds of people from "awful, awful" situations, kick in automatically, Philip said: "It was the first time I had to give the kiss of life - but I was able to go there and take charge."

The pair were reunited, pictured above, at Malcolm's hospital bed "under better circumstances than last time."