The swift actions of a retired doctor stopped former Bradford Golf Union president Jimmy Clark from choking to death at the association’s annual dinner.

The function in the city’s Midland Hotel had meant to be a celebration of Bradford’s Yorkshire title success but was overshadowed by the collapse of the popular Headley Golf Club life member.

Guests feared the worst when Clark, aged 89, appeared to lose consciousness and calls for a doctor were made over the loud speaker.

And Geoff Cooper, a retired GP from Barnoldswick who was attending the dinner with fellow Ghyll Golf Club members, answered the plea.

Dr Cooper explained that Clark had been choking on his food.

The former Ghyll captain said: “He was going more and more blue but he had a good pulse so there wasn’t anything to say he’d had a heart attack or a stroke.

“His airway was obstructed and he had food in his mouth and throat. I cleared it so he could breathe.

“I’d just finished clearing his airway when the para-medics arrived and I asked them to get a suction machine.”

Th ambulance staff continued to treat Clark, who thankfully showed signs of coming round. He was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary and remained there for four days before being discharged on Tuesday.

Dr Cooper added: “He was fortunate someone was there to clear his airway or he would have choked and just died. I had to clear a lot of food from the back of his throat.”

Clark, from Thornton, moved to Murcia in Spain three years ago and had only attended the dinner as he was back visiting family.

Now recovering at his daughter’s home in Keighley, he said: “I don’t remember anything until I was being wheeled into an ambulance.

“I think I’d eaten my food too quickly – I know I must try to slow down.

“Apparently a lot of people have been wanting to know how I am. I didn’t know I was so popular! I’d just like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Dr Cooper for what he did.”

Dr Cooper added: “I did what any physician would do. I’m just glad to know he’s all right.”

Clark is a well-known figure in local district golf, having been captain and president at Headley, a life member at Halifax and president of the West Yorkshire Alliance.

He competed for Yorkshire Seniors and was off a 14 handicap at the age of 86 before he stopped playing.

Headley member Roger Banks, who accompanied Clark in the ambulance, said: “We’d hired him an evening suit for the dinner.

“He was so excited at the prospect of seeing so many people he’d not seen for a few years.

“But we thought we’d lost him. We’re all really relieved he’s okay.

“He was applauded out of the room. There were 250 people there and so many of them knew him as he is a bit of a legend.”

Clark was due to fly back to Spain but will continue his recovery in the UK where he is set to remain until March, when he turns 90.