Bristol bus driver Ian Cooper who gave the kiss of life to a woman who collapsed in the street has been named as the winner of First's special Gold Star employee award.

Mr Cooper, who is a member of St John's Ambulance, had only learned cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) the night before.

He had stopped to pick up passengers in Union Street, Broadmead, one day in October last year when he saw the young woman collapse at the bus stop.

The award is given in memory of Ken Thorkildsen.

Ken was first a driver, then an inspector and then a manager with the First bus group.

When he died four years ago, so many colleagues wanted to show their respect that on the day of his funeral, First drivers were given permission to pull over to the side of the road for a minute's silence in his memory.

It is the one and only time this has ever been done.

This award recognises First employees who are very special.

Mr Cooper, 44, of Andover Road, Knowle, said: "I got off the bus and checked that the woman was breathing. She was but her breaths were shallow.

"I went to fetch my coat from the bus to put over her, and when I came back she had stopped breathing.

"I told a man standing nearby to call an ambulance and I started doing CPR.

"After two minutes, I saw a couple of police officers across the road and I asked one of them to go through the woman's bag to see if she was on any medication.

"I asked the other policeman to watch what I was doing in case he needed to take over. I did it for six and a half minutes, and then the ambulance arrived.

"The paramedics continued to give her CPR as she was taken to hospital."

Because of data protection regulations, Mr Cooper was unable to find out what happened to the woman.

Mr Cooper has already been named First Bristol's Superstar of the Year, in a competition in which First employees who go above and beyond the call of duty are recognised.

He was also shown to be among the top 20 of Bristol First's drivers after new 'DriveGreen' technology was installed.

If drivers are driving smoothly and economically, a green light shows on the dashboard but if they brake suddenly or go too fast, an amber or red light shows.

Later, they can check information about their journeys and how to improve by looking on the computer back at the depot.

Justin Davies, managing director of First Bristol, said: "We are delighted to nominate Ian Cooper for this special Evening Post Gold Star Award.

"Ian is a conscientious bus driver, having worked for the company for nine years. His efforts to help the lady who had collapsed by the side of the road should be thoroughly commended – he was able to demonstrate his First Aid skills, take charge of a highly pressurised incident, holding the fort until the police and the ambulance crews arrived and, most importantly, he kept a level head throughout.

"Moreover, it is great to be able to celebrate the achievements of someone who has been proven to be a great driver.

"Our new DriveGreen technology, installed on buses in Hengrove, has indicated that he drives very well, offering his passengers a smooth ride and ensuring the best fuel efficiency for the company. Indeed, he's one of the best drivers in that depot. Well done, Ian."

Evening Post deputy editor Rob Stokes said: "Ian makes what he did sound very straightforward. However, but for him, this young woman could have died.

"There is a world of difference between knowing what to do and doing it when a situation arises.

"That is what makes Ian special and why we are delighted that he has received this award given in memory of Ken Thorkildsen, who is still remembered with such affection by so many at First."

● Are you the woman who Ian helped? If so, we would like to hear from you. Please contact the Evening Post newsdesk on 0117 9343335 or email epnews@bepp.co.uk.