A ST John Ambulance volunteer on a holiday flight has been praised after springing into action to revive a seriously-ill man.

Les Tattersall’s prompt actions meant the man recovered and the plane’s pilot did not have to divert to the nearest airport.

And now he is calling on other people to join the service to learn life saving skills.

Mr Tattersall, 53, was asleep on the Pegasus Airlines flight from Manchester to Cyprus last month when a dramatic “is there a doctor on board?” call was made from the cockpit public address system.

His wife Elaine woke him as Les, who lives on Whalley Road, Blackburn, has been an advanced first aider for Clitheroe St Johns’ Ambulance for the past eight years.

Les said: “Nobody came forward so I made myself known and a air hostess asked if I would have a look at a gentleman at the front of the plane.

“As soon as I saw him, it was very apparent that he was extremely ill and that he needed urgent medical attention.

“He was unconscious, his pulse was poor and he was ashen-faced and sweating profusely.

“I asked the gentleman’s wife about his medical history over the last years and she said he was 82, had had two heart attacks and was diabetic.”

At this point a message came from the captain of the plane that if need be, he would divert the plane to the nearest airport if needed.

"However, Les decided to act decisively.

“I immediately asked Elaine to bring my grandsons Ozan’s medical bag,” he said.

“He is diabetic and insulin dependent.

I could see the rows of heads looking forward as if the pressure was not enough that I had to make a decision that would outcome not only this person’s life.

"Then there was the added pressure of an emergency flight detour to the nearest airport.

“His wife gave me permission to administer an insulin injection and after about 15 minutes he came round and began talking.”

Les’s efforts led to a spontaneous round of applause from fellow travellers as he returned to his seat.

Phil Thain, from Clitheroe St John Ambulance, said: “Les was a great person to have around in this situation.

“He has gained many of his skills here that enabled him to confidently assess and stabilise the situation that may have otherwise had a less favourable outcome.”