A documentary maker who helped save the life of a heart attack victim is to be rewarded for his heroic actions.

Wayne Derrick, 51, from Teddington, is to receive a national lifesaving honour from the Royal Humane Society for his efforts in helping a driver who collapsed behind the wheel.

Mr Derrick was driving his 12-year-old son to school in Esher last November when the car behind ploughed into the back of his car.

The driver, Philip Rhodes, had suffered a heart attack and lost consciousness causing his car to career into Mr Derrick’s before veering off the road and into some bushes.

Mr Rhodes was pulled from the car by Mr Derrick and two other drivers but had stopped breathing.

Mr Derrick, of Coleshill Road, said: “We realised he wasn’t breathing when we dragged him from the car.

“He was very blue. I thought he was dead.”

Calling 999, Mr Derrick was given directions over the phone on how to resuscitate Mr Rhodes, which he relayed to the two other drivers, Neil Chisholm and Simon Dimmock, who carried out the procedures until an ambulance arrived.

Mr Rhodes, of Walton on Thames, was discharged from hospital a week later and has gone on to make a full recovery.

The 51-year-old said: “I make documentary films so I’m used to my working life being full of drama - but not my everyday life.”

To honour his lifesaving actions Mr Derrick will receive a certificate of commendation from the Royal Humane Society after being recommended by Surrey Police. Mr Chisholm, from Esher, and Mr Dimmock, from Woking, will each be awarded testimonials resuscitation certificates.

Dick Wilkinson, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, said: “But for the swift action of the three of them Mr Rhodes could well have died that day.

“However, they kept him alive until the emergency services arrived and as a result he was discharged from hospital after a week.

“It was a wonderful effort on their part and they richly deserve the awards they are to receive.”

A date for the award presentation has not yet been set.