PENSIONER Frank Todd today got the chance to thank medics who twice brought him back from the dead after "jump-starting" his heart.

Mr Todd, 70, of Chestnut Road, Cawood, is now making a good recovery after two cardiac arrests within half an hour.

Today he visited Selby ambulance station to say "thanks a million" to paramedic Liz Moore and ambulance technician Paul Simpson.

Mr Todd said: "But for the ambulance crew I would have been up there singing with Frank Sinatra.

"It's the best comeback I've ever made and I can't thank the crew enough."

He added: "Hospital wards receive a lot of thank you cards, but it's very rare that patients get the chance to thank ambulance staff.

"People are all too quick to complain when things go wrong, which is why I wanted to meet the people who saved my life.

"A lot of people are unaware of just how skilled ambulance crews are. They did a fantastic job."

Mr Todd, a staunch Leeds United supporter for 50 years, had gone to his local, the Jolly Sailor, at Cawood, to watch Leeds play Manchester United.

But he had to leave after 10 minutes after suffering chest pains and aching arms.

When he got home his wife, Marie, immediately dialled 999 and the ambulance arrived within 10 minutes.

Mr Todd said: "They set to work on me straightaway. I remember crossing Cawood Bridge before I blacked out. Then I'm told they jump-started my heart using a defibrillator.

"I blacked out again once I reached York District Hospital after a second cardiac arrest and this time hospital staff jump-started my heart.

"I remember someone saying 'It's your lucky day' and they were absolutely right."

Mr Todd, who wrote to Health Secretary Alan Milburn praising the life-saving treatment he received under the NHS, said he had received 12 electric shocks in total.

Paramedic Liz Moore said: "It's the first time we've seen him since the incident in February, and it's lovely to see him looking so well after being at death's door."

Mr Todd's wife, Marie, said: "I can't put my gratitude into words. We only have each other and I'm just so pleased to have him back."