TWO Watchet teenagers have received a public commendation for going to the aid of an elderly woman who collapsed in the street.

Connor Jeromson, 16, and 17-year-old Ben Robinson were with a group of friends when they spotted the 69-year-old lying on the ground in Mariners Way in the town.

Sadly the woman died in the incident, which happened when West Somerset was hit by heavy snow in January.

But the plucky teenagers have received commendation certificates and letters from Watchet Town Council for their "heroic actions" on the day and their efforts to try to save the pensioner's life.

Council chairman Cllr Sally de Renzy-Martin has written to both young men, commending them for their kindness and quick thinking in helping to keep the woman warm while they sought help.

"The council gives their thanks and appreciation for your efforts and hope that the young people of Watchet will be inspired by your actions," said the letter.

Connor is a student at the West Somerset Community College in Minehead and Ben is studying at Bridgwater College.

Sylvia Jeromson, Connor's mother, said she, her husband Richard and all the family were very proud of the way her son had reacted.

But she said the incident had affected him and he wished he had been able to save the woman's life.

"He did everything he could and I don't know where it came from - he had never received any training," she said.

"I suppose instinct just kicked in."

Mrs Jeromson said Connor had taken off his coat and put it over the woman to keep her warm.

"At first he just saw some shopping on the ground but then realised someone was actually lying on the ground so he ran over with some of the others."

Mrs Jeromson said Connor sent Ben and another teenager to knock on doors to raise the alarm while he stayed with the woman.

Ben also called 999.

A woman from a nearby house came out to help and, with Connor, managed to place the collapsed woman in the recovery position.

A local paramedic, who lives nearby and fortunately was at home, also came to the woman's aid and was able to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

"It was very traumatic for everyone involved," said Mrs Jeromson.

"Connor later received a letter from the police, commending him for the way he behaved.

"We are definitely proud of the way he and Ben acted on the day."