A SCUBA diver who saved the life of her colleague when he suffered a heart attack has received a prestigious award.

Wendy Holt, 49 and from Christchurch, was presented with a lifesaving medal by the Sub Aqua Association at Mudeford Quay.

The award was in recognition of her quick thinking and timely intervention to save the life of Mike Hodgson.

Mike, 61, suddenly collapsed on March 1, 2016. He was in a busy works canteen when he fell to the ground having suffered a heart attack.

While others wondered how to react, Wendy calmly took charge, initiating CPR and directing others to call the emergency services. Wendy continued CPR until the ambulance crew arrived to take over. Mike has since recovered well.

Wendy attributed her quick response to the First Aid training that she and fellow members of her dive club, Arnewood Divers Sub Aqua Club, undertake every year.

She told those gathered to witness the ceremony how proud she is of the club and the standards of training and safety that it follows.

“The training just kicks in automatically,” she added.

The award was presented by Lee Poxon, the southern representative of the Sub Aqua Association. Lee confirmed that the lifesaving medal is rarely awarded, and yet this is the second time a member of Arnewood Divers has been honoured.