Three heroic runners have been praised for helping to save the life of a man whose heart stopped while he took part in a charity race.

The victim had to be resuscitated after collapsing during the Tonbridge Half Marathon.

Police, ambulance crews and the air ambulance were called to the course just before noon on Sunday after a man went into a cardiac arrest.

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The 44-year-old collapsed in the 12th mile near to the entrance of Haysden Country Park in Lower Haysden Lane.

It has since emerged three participants were among those who saved his life.

Race marshals Dave MacDonald and Matt Clements, together with passing runners Gary perryman, off-duty policeman Nick Lingham, and Dr. Sunil Sharma, provided immediate assistance and CPR.

Almost 1,500 runners taking part in the 13 mile race were diverted so emergency services could attend.

A medical motorcycle paramedic arrived in under three minutes and was quickly followed by a mobile medical unit and South East Medical director, Jono Erodotou.

The paramedic was able to give life saving defibrillation and advanced life support with the aid of bystanders.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Resuscitation attempts were already being made by a first aider when we arrived, ambulance crews took over and the man was resuscitated at the scene.

"He was airlifted in a serious condition to King's College Hospital in London."

Race director, Andy Blundell MBE, said: "We apologise to those runners who were diverted. However, we are sure that you would understand that this was necessary to ensure the welfare of the casualty and the efficient operation of the emergency services.

"Our thoughts are with the casualty and his family and we wish him a speedy recovery" - race director, Andy Blundell MBE

"Our thoughts are with the casualty and his family and we wish him a speedy recovery.

"May I take this opportunity to thank all those who have responded to our Facebook posting or emailed me. I am so grateful for your support after what has been a very difficult 24 hours.

"I would like to pay tribute to the immense professionalism and calmness under extreme pressure shown by members of the Tonbridge Half Marathon management team and marshal volunteers, by the Raynet volunteers and by S.E.Medical who first class first aid and paramedic cover for the event and by the three runners who stopped to help the casualty.

"I cannot speak too highly of these guys, without whose combined efforts a successful outcome would not have been possible."

It's understood the runner has been brought out of a medically induced coma and is responding normally. He remains in King's College Hospital in London undergoing further treatment.

The event, which is in its fifth year, is sponsored by The Tonbridge Rotary and Tonbridge Lions Clubs, with support from Tonbridge Athletic clubs.

It raises money for the Headway charity and Ellenor hospice.