'Ambassadors for the Borough' come to the rescue

Serena Williams and David Anash, both 15, placed the woman in the recovery position and tried to resuscitate her.

They had received their first lesson in basic first aid as part of their training in the Southwark Young Pilgrims project, which provides training for local youngsters within the tourism and leisure sector.

Adrian Hirons, the paramedic who trained the pair, said: "The fact that we [Southwark Young Pilgrims] trained them gives us a warm feeling. They got in there and did everything they were trained to do. They made a difference to someone with a potentially life-threatening injury."

The Southwark Young Pilgrims project is part of Southwark Heritage Association.

"It takes students from any Southwark secondary schools or students who lives in the borough," explains Veronica Alden, who runs the scheme. "Applications to join the courses far exceed our capacity to accept all who apply."

The Southwark Young Pilgrims information stall is a familiar fixture on Duke Street Hill near London Bridge station during the summer.

Enquiries about the scheme should be addressed to: Southwark Heritage Association, 216 Upland Road, East Dulwich, London SE22 ODH.