A RELAXED lunch at a Kent school turned into a matter of life or death when five-year-old pupil Ruby Gadsby choked on a meatball.

The drama began moments after Ruby had been photographed by Kent Messenger photographer Grant Falvey in connection with a social event involving pensioners at Headcorn Primary School.

It was only the quick thinking of Mr Falvey which prevented a tragedy. Ruby had turned blue and could not breathe when he came to the rescue.

Mr Falvey, a retained firefighter, had only recently undergone a refresher course in first aid for the fire service, which had included coping with incidents of choking.

He said: "I knew what to do straight away. I gave her five smacks on the back. When it hadn't come loose, I gave her another five firm hits on the back again.

"She was turning blue and I knew if I didn't do something soon, it was going to be very serious indeed. She couldn't breathe. I told her to cough several times. She tried and after a few attempts, suddenly the meatball shot out across the table."

Julie Silk, deputy head teacher, said: "There certainly wasn't any panic. Grant just handled it brilliantly. Ruby was a little shaken but recovered very quickly."