A BUS driver who had a heart attack at the wheel drove his passengers safely to an ambulance station before collapsing on the floor of his cab.

Ron Smith managed to steer his bus, with 20 passengers on board, into the driveway of Maidstone Ambulance Station after he became ill.

But as 49-year-old Mr Smith was being resuscitated he was amazed to hear a passenger asking him what time the next bus would be.

Mr Smith, who is now recovering in Maidstone Hospital, was driving along Maidstone's Loose Road on his way to Coxheath when he suddenly felt as though his chest had been hit with a sledgehammer.

The father-of-two, who lives at Palmerston Road, Chatham, said: "As I got out of the driver's seat I collapsed. I know a male passenger was helping to calm me down, while a lady ran off to get the ambulance staff.

"They rushed over and gave me a special spray and some tablets. But just as they were carrying me off on the stretcher, I suddenly heard this man come after us and say 'excuse me mate, can you tell me when the next number 89 bus will be coming'."

Mr Smith, who is now making a speedy recovery, said: "I just want to thank the two passengers who helped me at the ambulance station and the staff there.

"Also the doctors and nurses here at the hospital have been wonderful and so dedicated. I am just lucky to be alive."