EARLY in December last, on the eve of having two stents fitted at the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, I had quite a severe heart attack in the early hours of the morning.

In immediate response to a 999 call a young paramedic came to my rescue and an ambulance took me to the awaiting A & E department at Hereford Hospital.

Early next morning, on the day of my original appointment I was taken by ambulance from the Hereford Cardiology Department to the Q E soon to be fitted with not two but six stents.

As I approach my 88th birthday I would like to put on record, rather belatedly I am afraid, my deep sense of gratitude to everyone concerned as I slowly regain my strength, and as I resume again my regular walk along the bank of the nearby River Leadon.

The unknown paramedic, the ambulance staff concerned, the A & E staff and the cardiology departments at both hospitals.

I could not have wished for better car, expert treatment and attention, all provided freely by the NHS, and in answer to the many prayers of the Lord's people.

REVEREND DAVID PRICE Ledbury