A POLICE inspector saved the life of a pensioner who had collapsed outside a North Yorkshire pub.

Inspector Eamon Clarke was on patrol in Bedale High Street on Saturday, just two weeks after taking the position in the area, and found 79-year-old Denis Peirson unconscious outside the Old Black Swan.

Mr Peirson was not breathing and had a head injury, and Insp Clarke administered CPR, until he regained consciousness and began breathing again, and reassured him until paramedics arrived and took him to hospital.

Medical staff said Mr Peirson would had died if not for Insp Clarke's actions, and he is now at home recovering from having a pacemaker fitted.

Mr Peirson and his wife, who live in Kirby Fleetham, said: "It was fantastic that he was in the right place at that time, otherwise it would have been a different story. Thank you very much."

Insp Clarke said: "I am delighted that Mr Peirson is now out of hospital and making a recovery. It was a great relief when he began to breathe again. It was a case of being in the right place at the right time and all of our training being put into action. I would also like to thank the members of the public who stopped to help as their assistance was invaluable."