A quick-thinking Halesowen barber has been hailed a lifesaver after he came to the rescue when a pensioner was choking at a nearby cafe.

Joey Howard, of Market Street Barbers, sprang into action when staff at Carly's Cafe called for help as a woman in her 80s was choking on her dinner and turning blue.

Joey performed the Heimlich manoeuvre, which he learnt in a one-hour first aid session when he was training to become a barber at Halesowen College, to save the woman's life.

The incident happened in the Plaza Mall, where both businesses are based, in Halesowen town centre on Thursday February 21 at around 2pm.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has praised former Windsor High pupil Joey for his actions.

Joey, aged 24, said: "The girls from the cafe ran down asking for help as there was a lady choking.

"There were people patting her on her back, but it wasn't having any effect.

"I did the Heimlich manoeuvre in two sets of four

"I was having to lift her up, as she was like a rag doll.

"I had been cutting someone's hair at the time - when I came back to finish I couldn't stop shaking- the customer said take five minutes!

"It was scary thinking about it afterwards, but at the time I didn't feel anything. 

"It feels good to have saved someone's life."

Carly Reynolds, owner of Carly's Cafe, said: "If Joey hadn't have been here the lady would have died.

"Everyone was trying to help - but we couldn't lift her the way that he did.

"I'm really proud of him - he came to the rescue!"

Carly said the lady, who is a regular customer, has recovered from her ordeal and was back at the cafe enjoying her dinner on Tuesday.

Hero Joey, who owns Market Street barbers, is set to tie the knot with fiancee Rebecca Cadwallader, aged 23, next June. Joey's friend Dave Brenton has nominated him for a Royal Humane Society award.

Dave said: "I think he's deserving - he has saved someone's life."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a patient choking at The Plaza Mall, High Street, Halesowen, at 2pm on Thursday February 21st. One ambulance was sent to the scene.

“On arrival, crews discovered one patient who was no longer choking. She was assessed by ambulance staff and able to be discharged at the scene.

“Our crews were told that a bystander had managed to stop the woman from choking by performing back slaps.

"West Midlands Ambulance Service would like to take the opportunity to praise the quick-thinking actions of the bystander who was prepared to help someone in their hour of need.

"Not only were they prepared to try and help but they also had the knowledge of what to do in such a situation and for that they deserve great credit.

“We would encourage anyone who can, to undertake first aid training, as one day it could be your turn to try and save a life.”