Legendary paramedic Mike Merrett was among the ‘everyday NHS heroes’ recognised at The Sun’s Health Awards.

Mike, who recently retired after working for the ambulance service in Stroud for 50 years, was a runner-up for the Ultimate Lifesaver award.

He saved countless lives after beginning his career in 1969.

They include Mandy Palk who survived a cardiac arrest at home after Mike gave her CPR and used a defibrillator to restart her heart.

READ MORE: Paramedic 'Magic Mike' meets woman he saved after she ‘died for 15 minutes’

He was named “Magic Mike” by one young girl he was called out to after she was struggling to breathe.

Mike has inspired others to join the ambulance service including one former patient who suffered severe burns as a toddler.

Mike said: “After working at the same ambulance station for 50 years, it was great to be recognised in this way. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.”

The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards recognises medical professionals and volunteers who have gone beyond the call of duty to care for patients.

Celebrities and politicians attended the ceremony in London on Tuesday and saw a series of awards handed-out to NHS workers, volunteers and others.