QUICK-thinking karate experts who saved the life of a classmate when he had a heart attack while training have been praised for their efforts.

Chris Connor collapsed at a Shukokai Karate session at the Cheshire Martial Arts Centre, Evans House, Norman Street, banging his head on the matted area as he took watched an observation session on October 8.

Paul Graham, a black-belt seventh dan, with black-belt holders David Harding and Mike Durkan, used their first aid knowledge to use by putting the 55-year-old, of Barrow Hall Lane, Great Sankey, into the recovery position before Mike began performing mouth-to-mouth.

Paul and construction worker David took turns doing chest compressions until paramedics arrived 15 minutes later.

The dad-of-two suffered from a heart attack and remained in hospital for three weeks before being discharged.

The Shukokai Karate Union demands that all instructors complete a first aid course every three years and around 10 people at the session held a qualification in first aid.

Paul, director of the centre, was surprised to receive an envelope containing three letters from the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust last week.

One letter from Paul Ferge, area director for the trust, praised the men’s efforts and said without their help the recovery of Mr Connor may not have been a success.

Paul said the club will continue to follow the life-saving rules of the union by training staff regularly.