A QUICK-thinking bus driver has been labelled a “hero” after he helped save the life of a pensioner by driving him to A&E in a double-decker bus.

John Bishop, 69, from Redhill collapsed on the 2A Yellow Bus just as it was approaching the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on Tuesday August 6 at 10.20am.

Driver Nigel Cornell immediately dialled 999 and on advice from paramedics decided to drive the bus round to A&E as it would be a lot quicker.

The 53-year-old said: “When something like this happens, you just switch off from bus mode, forget you’re a driver and just do what you can.

“The guys in A&E found it very amusing to see us arrive in a double-decker because I think that’s the first time it has ever happened.

“I’m so relieved to hear he’s recovering, it just shows it was the right thing to do.”

John was diagnosed with a heart condition called bradycardia and is recovering after having a pacemaker fitted.

His wife, 65-year-old Pamela Bishop said: “Nigel really is a hero in our eyes and I don’t want to think about what might have happened if he hadn’t reacted so quickly.

“My husband fell completely unconscious whilst we were on the bus to Boscombe and I just couldn’t bring him round.

“He turned completely white and felt very cold and clammy.

“It all happened so quickly and I am just eternally grateful for the calm way Nigel reacted. He is an absolute credit.”

At least 25 other passengers asked to get off and were directed towards other buses before Nigel drove the double-decker slowly and carefully to the hospital drop-off zone.

Gareth Edwards, customer services manager for Yellow Buses, said: “We always say our drivers go above and beyond, but this is really taking it a giant step further and we are very proud of him.”