THE MAN known as Oxfordshire's 'Mr Defibrillator' has narrowly missed out on being crowned St John Ambulance Everyday Hero.

Former South Central Ambulance commander Dick Tracey, 61, was shortlisted as a finalist in the charity's Everyday Heroes Awards staged on Thursday.

Mr Tracey, from Witney, was in line for the 'Yours' Community First Aid Champion category but was pipped to the post on the night and just missed out on top spot.

Mr Tracey was told of his nomination not long after he retired in May this year from his 23-year long service with SCAS.

It followed his impressive influence and dedication in setting up the community defibrillator campaign across the county.

Mr Tracey's tireless Start a Heart campaign, backed by the Oxford Mail, has seen the number of public defibrillators in the county rise from about 120 to more than 500.

He has since retired from his role with SCAS in order to commit more of his time to helping ensure nobody is ever more than seven minutes from a public defibrillator.

The 61-year-old was invited on Thursday night to attend a swanky awards evening in London where he was one of five people up for the award in his category.

Despite missing out on top spot Mr Tracey was treated to a star-studded ceremony which celebrates everyday heroes and was hosted by TV presenter Katie Piper.