A retained firefighter has been praised by his bosses for using his training in a desperate attempt to save an elderly man who had suffered a heart attack.

Nick Duncan, 23, was working at the Cap and Feathers in Tillingham when he valiantly tried to resuscitate an 87-year-old customer who collapsed in front of him.

A second man came to help Nick and while he carried out chest compressions, Nick ran to get the fire station's defibrillator machine.

Although the man sadly died, Mr Duncan's lifesaving efforts were praised by Essex Fire and Rescue Service's acting chief officer Adam Eckley.

He said: "Nick's actions and professionalism exemplify why the community holds him and the rest of his crew in such high regard.

"Everything he did gave this gentleman the best possible chance."

Nick said: "My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends at this sad time.

"I would like to thank everyone else who helped, landlords Linda and Peter Colgate for calling 999 and Kevin Knight who helped with CPR."