AN off-duty policeman who saved the life of a little boy at Colchester Zoo has been awarded one of the country’s highest life-saving honours.

Darren Warner, 33, from Wickford, is to be given a Royal Humane Society Certificate of commendation after giving the kiss of life to the youngster, after he stopped breathing during a visit to the Maldon Road attraction in October.

The awards have been announced by the society’s secretary, Dick Wilkinson, in London.

Mr Warner was at the zoo with his family when they heard a woman screaming for help because her son was not breathing.

Mr Wilkinson said: “The child was pale and his lips had turned blue, his eyes were flickering and his body appeared limp. Mr Warner put the child on the floor and tilted his head back to check and clear his airways.

“He began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and gave several breaths.

“The child began to cough and to breathe again on his own. Mr Warner then put him into the recovery position and the colour started to come back into his cheeks and lips.”

Mr Warner remained with the family, offering them reassurance until paramedics arrived.

Mr Wilkinson said: “I am sure they are tremendously thankful for the way he cared for them and their son, and I hope this award goes some way towards expressing that gratitude.”

Mr Warner said he was glad the resuscitation worked.

He said it was the second time he had been called on to carry out resuscitation procedures, but sadly, the first time, the person did not survive.