A MAN has thanked air ambulance staff for rescuing him after he suffered a heart attack in the Lake District.

William Arstall, 70, was at Coniston Hall, a camping site on the western shore of Coniston Water, when  he started having symptoms.

After calling the ambulance, the response was 'superb' and within 10 minutes he got the first responders. Twenty minutes later the ambulance was at his door where they performed all the relevant tests. The air ambulance arrived promptly, taking him to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

"There was a team waiting for me and it was pretty much straight into theatre for an angiogram," said Mr Arstall, who owns a static caravan at the site.

"All of those things combined saved my life without any doubt.

"On this occasion they were fantastic. All I can say is thank them for everything they did. I am pretty sure if it hadn't happened I would not be in the position where I am now."

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The man, from Wigan, received treatment to stop the heart attack as it was happening and has been booked for further scans.

After the incident, Mr Arstall has returned to Coniston - a place he regards as his 'second home'.

"I just love the Lake District. We have been going up there for 28 years - I just love the place. Coniston is still an unspoilt village," he said.

Gene Quinn, Head of Operations for Cumbria and Lancashire at North West Air Ambulance (NWAS), said: "We are very proud of the care our staff give, and it is great to hear that William is doing better after his ordeal.

"It's not just our ambulance crews who deserve credit; our control staff, the amazing team at North West Air Ambulance and all the support teams in the background are also important in making sure our patients get the right care."