A POLICEMAN who saved the life of a choking toddler has been chosen to receive a first aid award.

Winton-based Police Community Support Officer Adam Cleaver was making door-to-door enquiries in Somerley Road on September 23 last year when the panicked mother of the 17-month-old child, Samuel, ran out into the street calling for help.

PCSO Cleaver, 35, ran inside and began resuscitation as Samuel had stopped breathing after a piece of food lodged in his windpipe. Thanks to his swift actions the boy is recovering well from his ordeal.

The resuscitation certificate was awarded by the Royal Humane Society.

"I wasn't thinking too much at the time, just that I had to be careful not to push down too hard as he is a child," said PCSO Cleaver, who has walked the beat in the town for eight years.

"The ambulance arrived very quickly and it wasn't until I made it back to the station that it sank in. It was lucky I was in the right place at the right time."

While his family, including two sons aged six and nine, are very proud, PCSO Cleaver said he felt he was just doing his duty as a police officer.

Although he had originally applied to be constable he said he now feels very much at home in his neighbourhood role as he enjoys community policing most.

He will be presented with his award in the near future.

At first, PCSO Cleaver had attempted to clear the obstruction in Samuel's throat with five back slaps, but he quickly realised that more was needed and administered two cycles of chest compressions, resulting in the boy recovering consciousness just as the paramedics arrived.

Samuel's mum Donna Saghir, 42, said her son required hospital treatment after the incident and had suffered fits since as a result of oxygen deprivation, but was now making a good recovery with medication.

"I went to pieces to be honest," she said.

"If Adam hadn't been there I hate to think what might have happened."

Bournemouth Police Sergeant Chris Amey, who recommended his fellow officer to the society, said: "Adam is thoroughly deserving of this award.

"He was faced with a situation that no parent ever wants to experience. He was able to use his training to great effect and thankfully Samuel has made a full recovery."

He said he hoped the story would encourage others to take an interest in first aid training.