POLICE have praised five youths who swooped in to provide first aid to a man in need of medical attention.

Officers said that the young people stayed with the man, who was not known to them, on The Marsh in Weymouth for 'well over an hour' waiting for an ambulance to arrive last night.

The man was taken to hospital for treatment.

A spokesman for Weymouth & Portland Police said: "Many thanks to the group of five young people who provided first aid to a male on The Marsh Playing Fields this evening. The group stayed with the male until ambulance arrived, well over an hour later.

"Neighbourhood Officers on patrol were flagged down by the group to provide extra help and support. The male who was not known to the group has now been taken to hospital.

"The Neighbourhood Policing Team will follow this up with thank you letters to highlight their great community spirit!"