A MUM has met up with the police officer who saved her life after she started choking in a pub.

Sergeant Fiona Armstrong-Brown was off-duty and in the process of ordering dinner for her and her mother at the New Inn, Dyserth, when she noticed a diner - called Maria Leach - choking on a neighbouring table.

Maria, of Kinmel Bay, was with her family at the time when the terrifying incident happened.

Speaking to the Journal, Claire Matthews, Mrs Leach's daughter, said: "We were having lunch when mum started to choke on a piece of gammon.

"My dad [Dennis] and I patted her back and my sister Grace Kevan got up and tried giving the Heimlich manoeuvre with no success.

"I was just about to stand up and unbeknown to me, the police lady who was sat behind us had got up and took over from my sister two thrusts and it was out."

Rhyl Journal:

New Inn Dyserth

Fiona took hold of Maria and continued with the Heimlich manoeuvre until the piece of meat was ejected and her airway was cleared.

"She was amazing," Claire added.

"My family and I couldn't thank her enough. My mum really did think that was it she was going to die.

"She is a great mum and grandma to us and her grandchildren who she helps look after."

The incident happened on Friday, November 29.

Maria and Dennis were so appreciative of Fiona’s actions, they have since made a special visit to Denbigh Police Station to thank Fiona for her actions.

Fiona said: “When I went across to help she had gone limp and they were shouting for an ambulance.

“I recognised that this was a serious situation and immediately put my first aid training into practice.

“I joined the police to save lives, but this is the first time that I have directly saved someone’s life.

“It highlights that even though officers may not be on duty in uniform we are out there, part of the community.”

Dennis said: “We unsuccessfully attempted to dislodge the offending food by patting her back and doing the Heimlich manoeuvre. By this time my wife was struggling to breath and we were all panicking.

"On behalf of my wife, children and grandchildren we cannot thank this lady enough.

"This officer saved my wife’s life."

District Inspector Andrew Kirkham said: “I am very proud that Fiona was able to put her training into practice to save someone’s life.

“It is really great to hear that she jumped in and helped in such a way.”