A quick-thinking neighbour has proved that first aid training can really help save lives.

Roberto Zaccardelli, who has worked for the Red Cross, dashed next door to resuscitate Ashley Lumb when he stopped breathing during a severe asthma attack.

The youngster was rushed to hospital but discharged in time for his 11th birthday and was back at school within days.

His mum Michelle, of Swain House, is now calling on members of the public to learn basic first aid.

"If Roberto hadn't come to help us I am sure we could have lost Ashley," she said. "He kept him going until the ambulance crew arrived and took over his care. They were all fantastic and I can't thank them enough."

Ashley, who has suffered from asthma since he was a baby, began to feel unwell on February 22 so his mum decided to take him to a doctor.

But as they walked to the car, he collapsed and stopped breathing. Mr Zaccardelli ran to help while dad Phil called for an ambulance.

Mr Zaccardelli, who is attending an access course at Bradford College to train to become a nurse, said: "I thought I could feel his pulse and so I gave him two breaths as I had been taught. I checked his pulse again but this time I could not feel anything so I started resuscitation.

"I was really worried that I had not got any breath into him because his chest was so tight, but I continued the compressions and breathing until the ambulance crew arrived."

Paramedic Sheila Pride, who arrived at the scene with ambulance technician Anthony Waterhouse, said Ashley was in a bad way and needed urgent medical help.

"However, thanks to Roberto, he got the best chance he could and it really brings home the message that first aid skills can save lives.

"Everybody on the scene did exactly the right thing, they stayed calm and let us get on with our job."

Mrs Lumb added: "Ashley gave us all a scare, but thanks to Roberto and the ambulance crew, he pulled through and was back at school within days."

For details of first aid training courses, call 0845 120 3170 or visit www.wymas.co.uk.