A BACUP man who nearly died from a massive heart attack exactly a year ago has thanked paramedics who saved his life.

Michael Melvin, 56, of Industrial Street, collapsed following his niece's wedding reception at a Todmorden hotel on July 20 last year.

But thanks to the skill of paramedics Anthony Hoswell and Steve Firth, and the quick thinking of his son and brother-in-law, Michael is still alive to tell the tale - and was able to personally thank his rescuers yesterday.

Upholsterer Michael, who had no previous heart problems, was enjoying the wedding reception at Scaitcliffe Hall Hotel when the drama unfolded. He said: "We had been to a family wedding the night before and had stayed at the hotel overnight. In the morning I wasn't feeling very well so my son Michael said he would go into Todmorden and get me some tablets. The last thing I remember is my arms going dead."

Within minutes Michael had collapsed and son Michael and brother-in-law Graham had to give him CPR after he stopped breathing. Soon afterwards the Todmorden-based paramedics arrived on the scene to take over.

After using defibrillation equipment to kick-start Michael's heart, he came round and was taken to Burnley General Hospital where he was handed over to a resuscitation team.

Michael said: "I feel very lucky that they were there to help me and that, one year on, I am able to say thank you to everyone involved for saving my life. It is difficult to find the right words to express how I feel."

Paramedic Steve Firth said: "He was very fortunate that his relatives knew what to do. Their prompt action and ability to perform CPR is an excellent example of how training in first aid can help save lives."

Michael met Anthony and Steve at Todmorden ambulance station, in Stansfield Road, at a special event organised by West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service.