A QUICK-thinking housing association worker has been praised for keeping a level head when a potentially life-threatening drama unfolded in front of her.

Magna West Somerset House Association employee Emma Tucker was visiting Timberscombe resident Jenny Colquhoun when 57-year-old Jenny suddenly collapsed.

She began having problems breathing and was drifting in and out of consciousness.

Emma, who had been visiting Jenny's Orchard Way home with colleague Dawn Law, immediately took charge and drew on her own first aid skills to keep Jenny calm and conscious until help arrived.

Jenny spent nine days in hospital and was diagnosed with obstructive pulmonary disease but is now back on the road to recovery.

"I owe a lot to Emma - she save my life," Jenny said.

"She stayed with me the whole time, right up until the ambulance arrived.

"I don't know what would have happened if she hadn't been there. All I can do is thank her now," she said.

Emma, who works as a senior community support warden for Magna, said she was just pleased to have been able to help.

"Jenny become really poorly quickly. It was a pretty hairy situation and I just did what I could to keep her comfortable and conscious.

"I am so pleased to be able to visit Jenny now and see her on the road to recovery," Emma said.