A HEROIC supermarket worker jumped into action to save the life of a six-month-old baby as he began to choke.

Asda has praised the actions of Sam Dissell, who works at the Keighley store. 

She has now been nominated for one of the supermarket chain's 'Service Superstar' awards in recognition of her quick action. 

Her colleagues spoke of how she acted "without hesitation" and said they were so proud of her as it could have been a catastrophic situation. 

Explaining how the emergency unfolded, an Asda spokesperson said: "The trained first aider saw the child was turning white and struggling to breathe, so she scooped him up from his mum's arms, turned him upside down and patted him forcefully on the back to free the piece of food which had become lodged in his throat."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Asda store in Keighley The Asda store in Keighley (Image: Google Street View)

Sam, who is 38 and has worked at the Asda store in Keighley for nine years, said: "I was working on self scans and I turned round to see this woman panicking and patting her baby on the back and shouting for someone to call an ambulance.

"I just took over as he was choking and going white.

"I picked him up turned him upside down and gave him a good pat on the back until whatever it was came out."

Sam, who is married to Sebastian and has seven children aged from 21 to six, added: Basically, I just gave him first aid – I just got on with it.

"Thankfully the baby was fine afterwards and breathing. It was scary, but I'm just glad he was alright. I'm so happy that he's alive.

"The mum was very thankful and a little shaken up too. She came back the next day to give me some flowers."

She added: "Choking is one of my worst fears; it's something that I've always been conscious of."

Store manager Mark Corps, who has nominated Sam for an Asda Service Superstar award, said: "Samantha just jumped straight in, didn't panic and did what she did.

"She saved that child's life and we are all super proud of her.

"It could have been catastrophic."

He added: "She's bright, bubbly, hard-working with a good sense of humour, and always goes above and beyond."

The store's community champion Suzie Ramsbotham said: "The mum was so grateful and couldn’t thank Sam enough.

"Other colleagues nearby said she just acted without hesitation and was amazing."