STAFF at a beauty salon have been praised for saving the life of a customer who had called into the shop for the first time to discuss treatments.

In a freak accident at the Body Beautiful shop on Cleggs Lane, Little Hulton, Sharon Palmer collapsed and fell, hitting her head on a mirror and table, before impaling the side of her face on an umbrella.

The material from the umbrella went into her mouth and blocked her airway, stopping her breathing.

Quick-thinking members of staff removed the umbrella, put her in the recovery position and rang for an ambulance.

"Her injuries looked horrendous," said salon boss Jane Blood.

"I held her head and stemmed the blood but I can't recollect anything else that happened.

"The team all worked together and were fantastic."

Sharon, aged 43, of Knowsley Drive, Swinton, was treated in hospital and last week returned to the shop to thank the women who helped her.

"All I can recall about it is partially coming round and I was covered in blood. I realised something really bad had happened," said Sharon.

"I owe my life to these girls.

"It is not a bad first meeting when someone saves your life."