by Dennis TowleA LEISURE centre worker was hailed a hero today for saving the life of a 12-year-old boy found "drunk" in a back alley, near Selby.

Scott Mattison, 23, was on duty as an assistant at Barlby Leisure Centre last night when he went outside to investigate reports of a gang of youths smashing windows.

As he turned to walk back to the centre, he discovered an unconscious youngster who had collapsed in an alleyway at the rear of the swimming pool.

Scott, of Bramley Avenue, Barlby, said: "It was almost pitch black, and as I turned to go back to the centre I saw a pair of feet.

"The young lad was in a bad way. He was unconscious and covered all over in vomit.

"I checked his pulse and then carried him to the leisure centre offices, where I put him in the recovery position to stop him choking on his own vomit.

"I scooped the vomit out of his mouth and throat with my fingers, and he started to come round. He was heavily drunk and totally out of it."

Leisure centre staff telephoned for an ambulance, which took the boy to York District Hospital. He was kept overnight for observation.

Scott said: "That lad is lucky to be alive. If we hadn't been on duty, I dread to think what would have happened to him."

Scott was one of half a dozen staff on duty at the leisure centre's roller-blading disco, held between 8pm and 10pm every Friday night.

The roller disco was introduced last November to help combat problems with gangs of teenage tearaways roaming the streets of Barlby on Friday evenings.

It has been hailed a big success, regularly attracting more than 100 youngsters.

Scott said the 12-year-old boy had not been to the roller disco, and the rule of not selling alcohol to anyone under 18 was strictly observed.

Selby Leisure Services manager Des O'Neill said today he was proud of the way his staff reacted so quickly, especially Scott.

He said: "Their vigilance and quick-thinking saved this young lad's life, and I'll be putting Scott forward for some kind of award."I will also be contacting police and youth workers to come up with a plan of action to combat under-age drinking."

North Yorkshire ambulance service confirmed today that it had taken a semi-conscious boy from the leisure centre to the hospital.

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