Former Newcastle and England hero Peter Beardsley helped save an old friend's life after he suffered a heart attack during a soccer match.

Bill Lisgo, 46, a former England schoolboy international, thought he was going to die after collapsing on the touchline.

"My life flashed before me and I began to panic as the pains in my chest got more and more intense," said Mr Lisgo.

But Beardsley saw what was happening and dashed to the side of the pitch. He stopped Mr Lisgo from panicking by talking to him, telling him to breathe deeply, and assuring him that help was on its way.

He then followed the ambulance to hospital and remained nearby for six hours as doctors treated Mr Lisgo.

Beardsley had invited Mr Lisgo, who lives in Essex, to play in the game at Newcastle's Lightfoot Leisure Centre to raise money for Wallsend Boys Club, where the star first began playing.

Mr Lisgo said: "Peter showed just what a friend he is and I want to publicly thank him for helping to save my life.