A STREET vendor in Abergavenny has been praised by police for trying to save the life of an elderly man who collapsed and died in the town centre.

Gary Morgan, 57, rushed to the scene of the tragedy in Red Square after the alarm was raised by two binmen just before 10am on Monday.

The trained first aider from Cwmbran worked on the casualty - in his mid-80s - for at least ten minutes before paramedics took over.

The man, who has not been named but is believed to be from Usk, was officially pronounced dead on arrival at Nevill Hall Hospital.

Gary, visibly upset by the ordeal, revealed that only last year he was caught up in a similar drama involving a middle-aged man who collapsed in Blackwood and also died.

"I just feel a bit sick at the moment. I did what I could. It's what anyone would do," said Gary, who runs a legal advice stand just outside the B&M Bargains store.

He was working at his stall when the binmen alerted him to the crisis just 100 yards away.

The binmen and a delivery driver discovered the man slumped unconscious at the wheel of his car which had its front door open, preventing traffic passing.

Gary said, "The chap had a pulse - and the guys from the dustcart ran for an ambulance. His seat was lowered and I tried to resuscitate him by doing CPR for about ten minutes till the ambulance arrived.

"The paramedics then worked on him in the back of the ambulance which left slowly without its lights on to show respect."

Gary, who gives out legal advice for Cardiff lawyers Hugh James, said he was still haunted by the incident in Blackwood where the man he helped was revived - but sadly he died on his way to hospital after a second suspected heart attack.

Police praise

He said his sad experiences should not deter others from taking the trouble to learn basic first aid skills.

'It's the least that anyone can do. Everyone should learn what has to be done in such emergencies. It's important," he said.

He was told he could take the rest of the day off if he wanted to. He declined.

Abergavenny's police commander Insp Huw Jones immediately thanked Gary for his efforts in dealing with such a tragic incident.

"It was a great effort - and he is to be commended for what he tried to do. All we can do is thank him for everything," said Insp Jones who later attended the incident with officers.

An ambulance spokeswoman confirmed that paramedics attended the scene where a man had been taken ill in a car.

The 999 call was made at 9.55am.

A rapid response car was despatched as was an ambulance which took the patient to Nevill Hall.