IPSWICH: A pensioner has today heaped praise on the heroic teenagers who dashed to his side as he collapsed in the street.

A pensioner has today heaped praise on the heroic teenagers who dashed to his side as he collapsed in the street.

As Barry Spilling’s blood sugar plummeted to dangerous levels, the diabetic appeared to be dancing and drunk as he walked home to Westwood Court in Norwich Road.

But the 73-year-old was suffering a diabetic hypo, which causes dizziness, sweating, shaking and palpitations.

As Mr Spilling feared he was about to fall and knock himself out four teenagers rushed to his side, led by 14-year-old Charlie Mickleburgh.

The teenager, who was at 4’rce Training where he is working towards his GCSEs after having trouble in school, caught Mr Spilling as he collapsed, preventing him from banging his head or suffering another serious injury.

Mr Spilling said: “I could have passed out and collapsed on the pavement, I could have fallen straight forward onto my face, it could have been really nasty.

“I think too many people make assumptions about teenagers.

“The youngest lad gave me a big hug, I am a complete stranger. It just shows the good in those boys.”

For the full story get a copy of today’s Evening Star from your newsagent.

And to obtain the full electronic version click on http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/home/e-edition