A QUICK-THINKING barmaid and a 999 operator from Leigh were honoured for bravery today after helping save the life of a suicidal customer.

Elizabeth King, assistant manager of Ye Olde Man and Scythe pub in Churchgate, Bolton, kept a cool head after discovering the drinker had slashed her wrists in the pub's toilet.

She phoned 999 and an ambulance brigade phone operator talked her through a life-saving procedure before paramedics arrived.

GMAS medical dispatcher Caroline Hurst, aged 21, of Bond Street, Leigh, who had only worked as a control operator for four months, advised Miss King over the phone.

GMAS Divisional Manager Delwyn Wray said: "Elizabeth and Caroline should be praised for their calm actions during what must have been a very fraught time. Their actions under pressure undoubtedly helped save the woman's life."

GMAS chief executive John Burnside said: "Members of the public often undertake brave actions every day without a thought for themselves, and we feel those efforts should be recognised and rewarded."

Elizabeth, aged 22, discovered the women slumped in a cubicle, bleeding and calling for help, as she checked the toilets before closing the pub for the night.

She wrapped bar towels around the woman's wrists before paramedics arrived and transferred her to hospital for treatment.

"All that went through my mind when I opened the door was to get an ambulance. I did not panic, I just thought logically," said Elizabeth after her ordeal.

"The lady on the other end of the phone was excellent and very helpful. She deserves a lot of credit as well."

Landlord John Jewitt nominated Elizabeth for her bravery award.

Mr Jewitt said: "The emergency services were great and it is nice to know that there was someone on the other end of the phone who was prepared to give the help we needed.

"Elizabeth was very brave and we are all very proud of her."