A heroic pensioner killed by a train as he saved a young friend who had leapt onto a railway track will be posthumously awarded for his bravery.

Retired lecturer David Ashworth, 74, died instantly as he desperately tried to rescue Ella Akehurst from the tracks at Chartham station.

Miss Akehurst, a 38-year-old mother-of-one, suffered multiple injuries after jumping from the footbridge above.

An inquest today heard how Dr Ashworth, who lived in Sturry, was able to arrange her arms and legs between the rails seconds before the train passed through.

But he was struck by the 10.22am Ramsgate to Charing service as he tried desperately to scramble back on the platform.

Margate Coroner’s Court heard that Dr Ashworth, a former lecturer at the University of Kent, is to be given the Civilian Gallantry Award for his selfless actions.

Coroner James Dillon was told how Miss Akehurst suffered from bipolar disorder and that Dr Ashworth was a family friend.

He had followed her to Chartham station on June 16 last year after concerns for her welfare were raised.

"Dad is greatly loved and deeply missed. We are still coming to terms with his loss, but remain very proud of the actions he took..." - Dr Ashworth's sons

Seeing her leap to the tracks from the footbridge which links the two platforms, Dr Ashworth rushed to her aid.

Due to his quick-thinking Miss Akehurst survived the incident.

Dr Ashworth was employed by the University of Kent in 1960s and his specialism was in solid state electronics.

At the time of the incident, his family paid tribute to his "selfless actions".

In a statement, they said: "We are very proud of our father's actions in saving the life of a young lady and clearly devastated at the loss of his life in doing so."

Coroner James Dillon recorded a narrative verdict.

He said: "At approximately 10.45am on June 16, David Ashworth had followed his friend Ella Akehurst to Chartham railway station where she had jumped from the pedestrian bridge onto the tracks below.

"He tried to give her aid and placed her in a safe position but in doing so he placed himself in danger and was struck by a train and was given immediate injuries."

Dr Ashworth's sons, Jonathan and Michael, said after the inquest: "Dad is greatly loved and deeply missed.

"We are still coming to terms with his loss, but remain very proud of the actions he took to save the life of Ella Akehurst in June last year.

"Today's inquest will have brought the events in June back into sharp focus for all those who were present that day.

"We hope they can now allow the tragic events they witnessed to fade, leaving only the memory of a man carrying out a heroic and selfless act.

"For those saddened by dad’s loss, we hope they hold on to fond memories of time spent with him and carry the pride and love for him that we do.

"The events in June were devastating for Ella and her family too. Following years of close friendship with dad, we hope those years of friendship feature far more strongly when they think of him that the tragic events of one day."

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