A KINGSWINFORD stroke survivor has praised the efforts of a ten-year-old school pupil and his teacher for saving her life after she fell ill outside The Glynne Primary School.

Adam Holliday was taking part in PE lessons on the school field when he and his friends noticed 82-year-old Brenda Armstrong bent over her walking stick in the alleyway that runs alongside the school.

The quick-thinking year five youngster immediately recognised the pensioner was having a stroke and alerted his teacher Hayley Whitelaw.

With little time to dash round through the school gates, the dynamic PE co-ordinator scaled and jumped over the eight-foot high metal fence to reach Mrs Armstrong - and stayed with her until paramedics arrived and took her to Russells Hall Hospital.

The plucky pensioner, who is recovering at home after spending four days in hospital, attributes her survival and speedy recovery to the swift actions of Adam and his teacher on May 6 - the first day back after the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

Brenda, who was on her way back from a keep fit class, said: “They could have been on holiday, like the day before, or it could have been raining and they wouldn't have been out there. I was so lucky - it was unbelievable. I'm very proud of them all."

Miss Whitelaw said: "We weren't supposed to do PE at that time; we changed the timetable so it was fate that we were out there. We're glad that we were. Adam acted really quickly and all the children were sensible."

Adam, who plays for Kingsley Olympic football team in Wordsley, said he quickly realised Brenda was having a stroke as he'd learned about the tell tale signs from his grandparents, who are volunteers for Dudley Stroke Association, and the charity's FAST message is promoted on his football kit.

He said: "I was scared at first as I'd never seen that before but I knew a lot about it."

Anne Adams, secretary and trustee of Dudley Stroke Association, said: "Adam knew the lady was having a stroke because her face had dropped.

"His quick response in administering the FAST – Face, Arm and Speech test, and alerting teachers shows how important it is for people of all ages to be aware of the signs of stroke and to act fast by calling 999.

"We look forward to going into Adam's school in the next few weeks to inform all his friends about the FAST message."

Adam's mum Jayne Holliday added: "Not only did he remember the FAST message - he was also really cool, calm and collected about it from what we can gather. We're really proud of him."

Any groups/organisations interested in arranging a visit from Dudley Stroke Association or in applying for a sports kit with the FAST message on can contact the charity on 01384 271982 or via website www.dudleystrokeassociation.org.uk