ORGANISERS of Kinver Country Fayre have praised the “fantastic” emergency services who swung into action after a number of people collapsed at this year’s fun day including a wrestler who suffered a cardiac arrest.

The sunshine enticed around 8,000 visitors to this year’s event on Sunday (June 18) but the hot weather took its toll and led to a number of people needing the help of the village’s community first responders.

A wrestler, who has now been named as Michael Wakeley from Dorset, suffered a cardiac arrest while taking part in shows organised by Kidderminster based HCW Wrestling.

But thanks to the quick-thinking actions of an off-duty doctor and off-duty policeman at the ringside, and the swift arrival of emergency medics, the 71-year-old - who goes by the stage name of Mr X - was today (Wednesday) reported to be making a good recovery in Russells Hall Hospital.

Friend and wrestling promoter Jonny Rose of HCW Wrestling, who had been beaten by Mr X in the ring earlier that day, said: "He's in pretty good health considering how he was at the show.

“He's our oldest and fittest wrestler but five minutes into the match he just went down.

"The people that were there at the ringside saved his life - it's lucky we were there with the right people."

Jane Sadler, of the Kinver Country Fayre committee, said: “The response from the public and the response team on site was just fantastic, as was that of the emergency services. We’d like to say a big thank you to them all.”

The country fayre, which is one of the highlights in Kinver’s calendar and a big fundraiser for village charities, featured a host of family-friendly attractions including action-packed performances by top equestrian display team The Cavalry of Heroes and a traditional parade in the High Street with vintage vehicles and Shire Horses.

There were also falconry demonstrations, bands, a fun dog show and dog agility, dance displays, live music tent, real ale and cider tent, pony rides, donkeys, bouncy castles, sports games, facepainting, fairground rides, animals from Dudley Zoo plus a host of stalls.

Andy Calloway, who also helped to organised the fayre, said: “It was a very good day."