The life of a Maidstone man was saved by a woman whose only knowledge of CPR was from what she had seen on TV.

Michael Brown says he owes his life to Samantha Roberts, who ran to his aid when he collapsed in the street.

The 52-year-old, who works as a car hire delivery and collection driver, was having a cigarette when he suffered a heart attack.

Miss Roberts, 44, restarted Mr Brown’s heart several times – and was only there because she was running late.

Mr Brown, of Downs View Road, Penenden Heath, woke up four days later having undergone a double heart bypass.

Miss Roberts, who works for Yodel, will now receive a Royal Humane Society resuscitation certificate – a top national life-saving honour.

Two police officers who assisted with CPR during the incident in Woodberry Drive, Sittingbourne, in May will also receive awards.

Mr Brown said: “I died. There’s no question of that.

“Samantha kept me alive in the precious minutes before professional help arrived.”

Miss Roberts used skills demonstrated on Holby City and Channel 4’s 24 Hours in A&E to save Mr Brown’s life.

The mother-of-four and grandmother-of-one added: “I just went into autopilot. I watch a lot of hospital programmes so I thought, right I know what to do.

“Two other people helped with the CPR. Seeing Michael lifeless on the floor was the scariest moment of my life.

“It feels incredibly surreal, and I didn’t break down until Michael came to see me. Seeing him alive was overwhelming.

“I’m 44 and I now feel like I’ve accomplished something with my life. I believe that is the reason I was put on this earth.

“I don’t expect an award, my award is Michael is alive.”

Mr Brown, who has fully recovered, added: “I owe my life to her. No words can properly express my thanks. I was just lucky she was the right person in the right place at the right time.

“If she had not been there I’m sure I probably wouldn’t be alive today.”