STAFF at Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury fought in vain to revive an 80-year-old man who collapsed during a visit on Monday.

The visitor from Martock in Somerset, was on a coach trip with the Over Stratton Garden Club in Somerset, when he collapsed and died as he was sitting with friends enjoying a cup of coffee.

He is believed to have had a heart attack.

Staff members Carolyn Lloyd and Geraldine Wilkins, who are trained in first aid, tried to help the pensioner. Mrs Wilkins called the ambulance service and relayed instructions to Mrs Lloyd who was working in the tearoom at the time.

Mrs Wilkins said: "The man was enjoying a cup of coffee and having a laugh when he just put his head on the table and died. It was a shock because we have never had anything like this."

Miss Lloyd said the man was eating a mouthful of cake when he suddenly slid downwards and died.

She said: "I gave him resuscitation and carried out the Heimlich manoeuvre to try and dislodge the food. Sadly we couldn't bring him back. He died laughing in beautiful surroundings.We did all we could."

Ian and Barbara Pollard, who own the gardens, were in London for the Chelsea Flower Show.

They said they were full of praise for the way in which staff handled the situation.

They sent their condolences to the man's family.