LEISURE centre staff who administered emergency first-aid on a teenage boy who collapsed on a football pitch have been praised for their actions.

On Wednesday evening at about 8pm they were alerted to the incident at 3G pitch at Sutton Leisure Centre.

After the initial call that the boy had "fainted" it became clear he was suffering a "more severe" medical emergency.

Quick-thinking staff carried out CPR on the boy and used a defibrillator to administer shocks, until ambulance arrived.

The boy was taken to hospital for further treatment.

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It is understood the boy is aged 17 and was playing for Parkdale Sidac FC.

A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said: “On Wednesday evening (January 26) staff at Sutton Leisure Centre responded to a first aid call from the 3G football pitch.

“The initial call was that one of the players had fainted, however, it became apparent that the casualty was having more severe problems, requiring CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

“Staff performed their duties with the utmost of professionalism, carrying out CPR and several shocks through the AED until ambulance crews arrived to stabilise the casualty before taking him to hospital for further treatment.

“Our thanks go out to the staff involved – who are a credit to the council – for keeping so calm in such difficult circumstances, and we wish the young person a speedy recovery.”