Two plasterers who helped to save a Wolverhampton man’s life when he had an epileptic fit have been named as the Express & Star’s first Local Heroes of 2011.

Dane Edwards and Gary Banks stopped work and raced to the aid of Michael Booth after he collapsed outside his mother’s home in Warstones Road, Penn.

The quick-thinking duo used their dust sheets to prop up 26-year-old Michael’s head and covered him with their coats to keep him warm.

He had suffered a fit, sustaining serious injuries that could have been life-threatening without the tradesmen’s quick action.

Mr Edwards, 41, of Tettenhall, put him in the recovery position while Mr Banks, of Eastfield, alerted the emergency services.

Michael, who said he is “extremely grateful” to the pair, was treated in hospital for a shattered jaw and broken cheekbones.  He suffered a second fit in hospital but is now recovering.

The Local Heroes Awards, sponsored by Birmingham Midshires and Wolves, will see inspirational community members from throughout the Black Country and Staffordshire honoured at a gala dinner at Molineux in December.