A QUICK-thinking policeman helped saved the life of a runner in the New Forest Marathon, it has emerged.

PC Jamie Wiseman of Lymington was on duty marshalling the race near the railway bridge in Stem Lane, New Milton, less than a mile from the finish, when one of the competitors, a man in his 30s, collapsed.

PC Wiseman and a spectator went to the man's aid and called an ambulance. He was taken to Lymington Hospital and released the following day after treatment.

Sgt Bernadette Smith, who organises police at the event said: "I heard him on the radio a few minutes later, 'Can you get an ETA for the ambulance please? If it doesn't get here soon I think we're going to lose him'.''

Race director Chris Harris said: "We are grateful, as the race organisers, that the police and St John Ambulance were on the scene so quickly.''