A HERO firefighter used his first aid skills in a dramatic roadside rescue to save the life of a choking woman.

Sheina Stockton has paid tribute to the calmness with which Ledbury-based Andy Phillips came to her aid.

The fast-acting firefighter has now been put forward for a commendation from Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer, David O'Dwyer.

The off-duty retained firefighter was driving along Gloucester Road, a few miles outside Ledbury, when he saw the car in front being driven erratically.

The driver, a female friend, was banging on 48-year-old Mrs Stockton's back as she choked on a piece of apple that had lodged in her throat, blocking her airway.

When the car pulled over, Mr Phillips stopped to help.

"I'd seen the driver hitting someone on the back," he explained. "I knew Mrs Stockton had been given numerous back slaps, but my training helped me to keep calm, although she was a funny colour through a lack of air."

The 35-year-old immediately gave Mrs Stockton three abdominal thrusts - commonly known as the Heimlich Manoeuvre - which opened the airway.

"Quite possibly I did save her life," said the modest father-of-two. "She was struggling."

But specialist teacher Mrs Stockton, of Upton-upon-Severn, was in no doubt.

"It was so scary," she admitted. "He did save my life. The back slaps did nothing. I couldn't breathe at all.

"Andy dislodged the apple enough for me to get some air, though it wasn't dislodged completely.

"Throughout, he was so immensely calm and reassuring and just took control of the situation," she added.

By the time the ambulance arrived, Mrs Stockton was breathing more easily and did not go to hospital.

A week since the rescue, she still had a sore throat.

Station Officer Bryan Morgan said he had recommended Mr Phillips for a commendation for "the calm manner he displayed and the fact that his training took over, even though he was off duty and had an important meeting to attend".

"He stopped and did everything correctly. His actions went beyond duty."