A BUS driver has a quick-thinking schoolgirl to thank for saving his life after he collapsed while driving her and her friends home from school.

Katy Haig, 14, of Chelsfield Lane, Orpington, was on her way home from Bishop Justus School in Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley, at 4.30pm on November 15.

The 358 bus had just travelled past the Holy Trinity Church in Bromley Common when the bus driver suddenly pulled over.

He exited his driver's cab and collapsed on the floor.

Katy told News Shopper: "At first I didn't know that it was the driver.

"I was at the back of the bus so I couldn't really see what was going on.

"There were lots of people around him.

"A lady called out for someone to call an ambulance, so I did.

"Then I went up to him. I noticed he was conscious so I thought 'I've got to help him'."

Katy swiftly put the bus driver in the recovery position.

Then, noticing his face was going red, she placed a coat underneath his head to stop the blood rushing to it.

The man was shivering and shaking so she asked her friends for their coats, and placed them on top of him to keep him warm.

News Shopper:

Katy added: "It was four or five minutes before the ambulance arrived.

"I sat with him and kept talking to him, made sure he was responding, answering questions.

"The paramedics came and when they were about to go one of them said to me: 'You saved his life'.

"After I was a bit shaken about what I did but during it I didn't really have time to be scared.

"I am very proud of what I've done."

Katy was taught first aid at the 14th Bromley Scout Group, of which she is a member.

Her mother, Rachel Haig, 44, added: "I'm really proud of what Katy did, to respond like she did and think so quickly was amazing."

The bus driver, who did not want be named, is now recovering at home.

Paul Harding, Operations Manager of Metrobus, Orpington said: "He is extremely grateful for all the care and assistance he received at the time.

"It is a credit to the young lady that she did what she did and everyone here is very grateful.

"He's still a bit unwell and what happened to him is under investigation."