A Ledbury firefighter is being honoured for saving the life of a choking woman.

Andy Phillips will be one of 19 Hereford and Worcester firefighters presented with awards tomorrow (Saturday) at the Training and Development Centre, Droitwich.

The news has been welcomed by Sheina Stockton, the woman whose life he saved.

"He really deserves it," she said. "If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here today. I'm delighted that he's got a commendation for that."

Mr Phillips, who is based at Ledbury, performed first aid on the Upton-upon-Severn woman when she choked on a piece of apple in March this year.

He was off-duty at the time and was driving along Gloucester Road when he noticed Mrs Stockton choking in the car in front of him.

When the car stopped, he got out and performed a heimlich manoeuvre, which cleared the obstruction.

Mr Phillips will receive a commendation from Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade Chief Officer David O'Dwyer.

Other firefighters to be presented with awards include Sub-Officer Mike Whitehurst, of Malvern Fire Station, who receives a 20-year long-service award. Neville Turner, a sub-officer from Bromyard Fire Station, will be presented with a a specially-commissioned plate for 30 years of service.