A TATWORTH man has praised the woman who saved his stepfather from choking to death.

Tony Riste admitted he thought his stepfather Lesley Dowell was certain to die after enduring 15 minutes with a piece of steak lodged in his throat, during an anniversary meal at The Creamery, Chard Junction.

Tragedy was averted as Jenny Kelly of Chard Junction, who was enjoying a quiet drink when the episode began, managed to put her finger in Leslie's throat and removed the chunk of meat.