The staff were alerted last Tuesday night when 63-year-old Chris Dillon, collapsed while on court at around 7pm.

Three members of staff used a defibrilator and worked on Mr Dillon until the air ambulance arrived. They were assisted by a nurse and another member of the public who were quickly on the scene.

Mr Dillon, a retired fruit and vegetable wholesaler, was flown to the North Staffordshire Hospital where this week he was said to be 'improving.'

The actions of the attendants have been praised by the ambulance service.

Leisure services manager, Peter Davis, said that staff were highly trained and received regular updates every two weeks and training on
defibrilators at least twice a year.

He felt that some times the attendants did not receive the recognition they deserved until something untoward happened.

"That is what they are here to do. I can't praise them enough," Mr Davis said.

Mr Dillon's sister-in-law, Lyn Dillon, also praised the actions of the leisure centre staff and the emergency services.

"They were brilliant. I think that they saved a lot of damage. Without
their help it could have been far worse.

"Chris is now making excellent progress. and the docotors are very pleased with him."