The incident happened on board an Arriva bus (file photo)

by Dan Bloom

A bus driver tried in vain to save a pensioner who died on board his bus.

The woman, from the Lordswood area, collapsed aboard an Arriva bus outside the Morrisons neighbourhood centre in Princes Avenue, Walderslade.

The 75-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest just before 11am on Wednesday.

Up to 20 passengers were present as the bus driver performed CPR on the woman while taking advice over the phone from paramedics.

An ambulance, two fast response cars and an air ambulance car all arrived a few minutes later but the passenger was pronounced dead on board.

She was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital. Her relatives have been told and a post-mortem is due to take place early next week.

A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service said: "The bus driver performed CPR and we highly commend him for his quick-thinking actions.

"Our crews took over when they arrived but despite everyone's best efforts, sadly the woman passed away."

Did you know the passenger? You can pay tribute below.