A MODEST teaching assistant told how she is “truly honoured” to be nominated for a national award after saving a child’s life.

Margaret Persaud, 32, from South Ockendon, who stopped a boy choking on a 10p piece, said: “I am so thankful to have been provided with the first aid training through my school and St John Ambulance.

"That enabled to me to have the knowledge and skills to save a child’s life that day. First aid really is a life saver and I feel everyone should feel confident in using first aid.”

Margaret has been short-listed for the Workplace Hero category for the St John Ambulance Everyday Heroes awards next Thursday.

Margaret, a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Drapers’ Pyrgo Priory School in Harold Hill, recalled how at the start of a lesson she noticed one boy struggling to breathe and changing colour.

She rushed to the child and stood him up. She then tried to clear the blockage with slaps on the back, but when this did not work she resorted to the Heimlich manoeuvre.

The 10p coin flew out of his airway.

The star-studded awards will be hosted by TV presenter and best-selling author, Katie Piper.