A grandfather has thanked four heroic policemen for saving his life after he suffered a major heart attack while golfing.

Sgt Kurt Holmes, Sgt Sean Scarsbrook, PC David Body and PC Alan Powell had been enjoying a round with friend Justin Lloyd at Chestfield Golf Club on March 1. But suddenly a man playing at the hole in front of them collapsed to the ground.

Spotting something was wrong, the men rushed to his aid.

Using a defibrillator, they twice revived 61-year-old Karl Humphreys, keeping him alive for 25 minutes as they waited for paramedics to arrive.

They directed golfers away from the area, helped with the paramedic equipment and also to transfer Mr Humphreys to an air ambulance. He was airlifted to Ashford’s William Harvey Hospital in a serious condition.

'They lost me a couple of times on that course, but brought me back each time' - Karl Humphreys

Now, Mr Humphreys, who lives in Chestfield, has recovered from the heart attack, though he still requires some treatment.

He has spoken to each of the officers involved and hopes to meet them to thank them in person.

He said: "The officers were fantastic, without their care and professionalism I wouldn’t be here today.

"They kept me going until the air ambulance arrived – they lost me a couple of times on that course, but brought me back each time.

"I was going up the 14th hole. I chose the club I wanted – a 9 iron – and that was it. I don’t remember anything after that. I was out cold.

"The ambulance couldn’t get up there so I was airlifted off. They put me in an induced coma and two days later they revived me."

Ambulance spokesman Rich Airey also praised the group's efforts, saying: “Someone had brilliantly gone straight away to get a defibrillator, and CPR was used.

“On behalf of the ambulance service, I’d like to thank everyone that gave the patient that vital, life-saving treatment prior to our arrival.

“There’s no doubt that everyone’s quick thinking gave him the best chance of survival.”

Their dedication and compassion were officially recognised at an awards ceremony on June 25, when all four officers were presented with the Chief Constable’s Certificate of Merit by Ch Con Alan Pughsley and Kent High Sheriff Paul Barratt MBE.

Ch Con Pughsley said: “It is a tremendous honour to be able to commend those police officers and staff who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect the public.

“The public in Kent should also be extremely proud to have such a dedicated and professional team working day and night to protect and serve them.”