Two off-duty police officers have helped save the life of a man who went into cardiac arrest while playing golf.

The 62-year-old collapsed suddenly at Chestfield Golf Club near Whitstable on Friday afternoon.

But luckily, two police officers golfing just behind him on the 18-hole course spotted something was wrong, and rushed to administer CPR until paramedics arrived.

General manager Grant Leggate has praised the two men for their actions.

"They saw the panic in front of them by the 14th green and realised someone was in trouble, so they ran over and began to administer CPR," he said.

"Another member of their group immediately rang the professional shop, because he knew they had a defibrillator.

"The defibrillator's funded by the parish council, and has been there outside the premises for about six years.

"Our first aiders grabbed the defibrillator, jumped in buggies and drove up to where the incident was. The policemen continued administering the first aid, using the defibrillator.

"The air ambulance and paramedics were called, and a life was saved.

"The two policemen in question were exceptional - they stepped in and their training came to good.

"We're very proud of our members, and the relationship they have with the club, and were delighted that they were on site to deal with this."

Mr Leggate added that the man - thought to be from Chestfield - has regained consciousness, but is still in intensive care.

South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman Rich Airey also praised those who rushed to help.

He said: "We were called just after 1.40pm on Friday. Two cars and an ambulance attended, and were joined at the scene by the air ambulance service and one further car.

"Someone had brilliantly gone straight away to get a defibrillator, and CPR was used.

"On behalf of Secamb, I'd like to thank everyone that gave the patient that vital, life-saving treatment prior to our arrival.

"We carried on that care at the scene. The patient had been resuscitated and was airlifted - in a serious condition - to William Harvey Hospital.

"There's no doubt that everyone's quick thinking gave him the best chance of survival."