The granddaughter of a former Surrey Comet editor has had the chance to meet the paramedic who saved her grandmother's life.

June Sampson, 85, from Kingston, was hit by a driver on the zebra crossing on Galsworthy Road in 2013 and had to be resuscitated by paramedics from London Air Ambulance.

The former features editors, who worked at the Comet for over 30 years, spent five months at St George's Hospital Tooting recovering from broken bones and a brain injury.

But after being inspired by her grandmother's recovery, 15-year-old Eleanor Dowler went to the air ambulance to do work experience where she had a chance to meet Lynsey Grant, the paramedic who saved her grandmother.

“I'm so grateful to Lynsey for giving my grandmother back to us”, Miss Dowler told the Comet.

“As I was about to be introduced at the helipad the siren went off and there was a huge adrenalin rush as Lynsey rushed to the helicopter to attend an emergency.

“I saw how she helped people at their biggest time of need and was able to do stuff not many people can do."

The teen, who visited her grandmother weekly while she was in hospital, now says she aspired to be a paramedic.

“You imagine doctors being kind but quite serious and robotic but she's so bubbly and enthusiastic and caring, I'd like to be like her," Miss Dowler continued.

“I want to be able to come home from work at the end of the day knowing I've saved lives. Now I've met her I'm even more keen."

Lynsey Grant said she remembered the 2013 incident well and was pleased to hear Eleanor had been inspired to become a paramedic.

“It was lovely to finally meet her this week," Ms Grant said.

"Working as a paramedic and for London’s Air Ambulance is an immense privilege and is a job I love.

“I hope that Eleanor will keep up her interest in medicine and I look forward to welcoming her as a colleague in the future.”

Eleanor's mum Anna, 49, a consumer affairs journalist at the Guardian, said: “My mum was not expected to survive the night and she was in hospital for five months.

“After this incident, Eleanor got very interested in being a paramedic. It was very traumatic to both my children.

“The whole experience with Lynsey has encouraged and given Eleanor a clear direction. My daughter was so taken with her and the work she did.”

Mrs Sampson became the first woman to be awarded Freedom of the Borough in 2014 in recognition of her services to Kingston and still attends committee meetings.