A Dartford postman saved the life of an elderly man with Parkinson's left lying on the floor for two days.

Postman Matt Lane, 23, is being commended by Royal Mail for his heroics.

The grateful customer, 75, sent a letter praising Matt - who just like Postman Pat has a black and white cat - for "no doubt saving his life".

The pensioner, who asked not to be named, said: "I fell over on Thursday, June 13, and spent the night on the floor.

"Two callers came and went without realising my predicament.

"I managed to open the front door with my foot when Matt arrived with the post.

"He pushed the door open and found me.

"He quickly sought help from a neighbour and phoned for an ambulance."

The pensioner said he was in hospital for five days following the fall, adding: "If Matt had not found me, I was not due any visitors.

"I was becoming weak and would not have survived.

"I will always be grateful to Matt for doing that little bit extra and saving me."

Matt, who delivers around Dartford and Longfield, has checked in with his customer to make sure he is okay.

The postie said: "It's just part of the job, even if I wasn't at work and saw a man or woman struggling you should always help.

"I'd like to think that if any of my friends or family were in need as this man was then people wouldn't think twice to give them a hand."

He was praised by Royal Mail bosses for his actions.

Mark Street, Royal Mail's head of campaigns, said: "We're very proud of Matt and his actions in helping one of his elderly customers while out on his daily delivery.

"Royal Mail's postmen and women are out in the community six days a week, delivering to around 30 million addresses across the UK every day."

He added: "Matt's actions demonstrate exactly why our postmen and women are such highly valued members of their local communities."