A quick-thinking police sergeant was awarded a plaque for his courage in leaping into action to help save a football fan's life when he collapsed into a diabetic coma ahead of a match.

Heroic PS Rob Sweetland was presented with the award at Maidstone United FC’s National League South tie against Chelmsford on Saturday to thank him for rushing to the aid of club volunteer Ian Flin.

The fan was in the pub garden at The Malt Shovel, Dartford, alongside his mum, Chris, ahead of the Stones' Easter Monday 1-0 victory at Princes Park when he fell to the ground and started to fit.

Sgt. Sweetland alongside special constable Paul Holmes quickly began to give him first aid, cooled him down with an ice pack and helped to clear his airway.

Type 1 diabetic Mr Flin was then rushed to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford and ended up in intensive care.

Almost two weeks later and Mr Flin finally met the man that saved his life whom, until that point, he had never met.

He said: "It was nice to finally meet the guy, I got quite emotional from the day, the crowd, the game, the whole emotion was incredible; it caught up with me to be honest.

"The realisation hit that if it wasn’t for that guy standing there, I wouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t be at the match where we won the title."

For saving his life, Mr Flin presented Sgt. Sweetland with the aforementioned plaque as well as an engraved tankard and a bar of chocolate. SC Holmes was unable to attend the match but police said he was very much involved in the medical intervention which saved the man’s life.

"The handover went well," said Mr Flin "and so did the game. It was a great day, I lost my voice from all the shouting."

Maidstone chief executive Bill Williams invited Sgt. Sweetland to the game after the news of his actions reached him.

He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Sgt. Sweetland to the Gallagher Stadium for our game against Chelmsford.

“We presented him to the crowd and gave the family the opportunity to thank him personally, and publicly, for his quick-thinking that day.

“We’re also pleased to hear Ian’s recovery is going well and know he will be forever grateful to Sgt. Sweetland.”

Mr Flin recalled what he could remember from the day.

The 46-year-old said: “Me and my mum had gone to get a bite to eat before the game. We went to the Malt Shovel before the game to soak up the atmosphere.

“I said we should make our way to the ground after a drink. I can remember getting up and my legs went and that’s all I can remember.

"The realisation hit that if it wasn’t for that guy standing there, I wouldn’t be here"

“The next thing (I know), I woke up at Darent Valley on the Wednesday.”

Explaining what had happened in further detail, he said: “My high blood sugar had kicked in.

“I heard it (his blood glucose reading) was at 45 when it should have been between six and nine.

“I can remember just feeling really, really hot, but I put that down to the quite nice weather.”

But it was football which was at the forefront of Mr Flin’s mind when he finally came round. He was released from hospital last Monday evening.

He said: “All I wanted was food - and to watch the highlights of the Dartford game that I missed!”

Trevor McDonald, another volunteer at Maidstone United, praised Sgt Sweetland’s actions.

He said: “He was absolutely amazing.

“If it was not for the medical attention, he then could have been far, far worse. He was calm and so professional.

“But most of all, he was a human being. He went above and beyond, and he saved his life.”

Inspector Mick Hayes from Kent Police said: "I am immensely proud of both officers involved in this incident.

"They worked together in a challenging situation and were able to provide vital first aid to a member of the public.

"This is an incredible example of professionalism and public service.

"Both officers are a credit to Kent Police and are examples of the unbelievable people in the service who do amazing things every day."