A former Army medic helped to save someone’s life at a busy Essex shopping centre.

Bob Brookes, who works for the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP), was on his break in Witham when he became aware a man had collapsed in a nearby outlet at the Grove Shopping Centre on Saturday.

Mr Brookes, a former medical technician in the Army, leapt into action and rushed to help the casualty.

When the collapsed man went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing Mr Brookes, along with the store’s first aider, performed CPR for almost 10 minutes until a first responder and paramedics arrived to take over.

The casualty was later taken to Basildon and Thurrock Hospital by ambulance.

Mr Brookes is a technical officer for the NEPP where he has worked since 2011. He covers the Braintree, Uttlesford, Epping Forest and Harlow districts.

Councillor Robert Mitchell, chairman of the North Essex Parking Partnership, said: “The organisation is incredibly proud of Mr Brookes who did a fantastic job in performing first aid and saving the gentleman’s life.

“We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery and hope that he and his family have a wonderful Christmas together.”

NEPP covers parking monitoring and restriction schemes in the districts above as well as Colchester and Tendring.