A PALL-BEARER who had a heart attack at an undertaker's parlour just before a funeral was given the kiss of life at the side of a hearse by a colleague.

The 69-year-old man was taken ill and collapsed as he was about to carry out his ceremonial duties.

Retired former Wiggin worker John Watkins is recuperating at home in Sidney Box Drive, Hereford, after an incident in which he was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at Manns Funeral Directors, Dishley Street, Leominster.

Dizzy

John, who works as a part-time bearer and driver for Manns, felt dizzy and collapsed by the side of the hearse as he was about to set off to collect family mourners at a funeral.

Another bearer, Bernie Reynolds, gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and succeeded in reviving John. Paramedics were on the scene in less than three minutes and John was taken to hospital in Hereford where he made a good recovery.

John's wife, Beryl, described him as a 'lucky chappy'. She said: "He had the right people around him who knew what to do."

The couple have been able to see the funny side of collapsing at a funeral directors and being 'in the right place'.

John, who will be 70 this month and is looking forward to the imminent arrival of his first great-grandchild, is a high-energy character who loves to work and is getting bored at home.

He plans to drop some other commitments but wants to carry on his part-time role with Manns.

John and Beryl put a notice in The Hereford Times to thank staff at the firm and everyone who helped in the recent drama.