A CIVIL engineer who had his throat slashed in an horrific attack has paid tribute to the "amazing" woman who saved his life.

Rob Kendal, 23, said if it wasn't for the quick-thinking actions of Anya Bradford, he would not be alive today.

The 32-year-old rushed to the aid of Mr Kendal after he was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle while walking through Basingstoke bus station last December.

Mrs Bradford managed to stem the flow of blood and remained with him until paramedics arrived and rushed him to Basingstoke hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

His attacker, 25-year-old William Mitchell of Sylvester Close, Oakridge, Basingstoke, was jailed for eight years for the vicious attack on Mr Kendal and for attacking Michael McMahon, 48, who needed stitches to a head wound.

Mrs Bradford, from Black Dam, Basingstoke, is now set to receive a bravery commendation for her actions from the head of Basingstoke police, Superintendent Paul Netherton, at the request of Mr Kendal.

Mr Kendal said he was still trying to come to terms with the horrific attack.

"I remember the night of the attack in bits and pieces," he said.

"We were heading for a taxi home when this drunken guy latched on to us. We tried to get rid of him and then the next thing I know he had hit Mick over the head and thrust a broken bottle into my neck.

"It was bizarre because I didn't realise I had been stabbed. I felt something in my throat but thought I had been punched. Then I saw all the blood and started to panic."

Mr Kendal said he had never met Mrs Bradford before the night of the attack.

He works for a company which is a sub-contractor for Redrow Homes, where Mrs Bradford is employed as a secretary.

The pair were on a works night out at the time the incident took place.

"I thought I was going to die but Anya kept a calm head in such a crazy situation," said Mr Kendal.

"What she did was amazing. She was so brave and deserves to be commended.

"As for Mitchell, I am just glad that justice has been done."

Mr Kendal has now moved from Basingstoke to Braintree in Essex as part of his job but has kept in close contact with Mrs Bradford.

On the evening of Saturday, April 16, he finally got to meet her husband, Russell, 32.

The trio were at a glitzy charity ball at Oakley Hall, near Basingstoke. Organised by staff at Redrow Homes, it aimed to raise more than £11,000 for Naomi House Children's Hospice.

"I couldn't wait to tell Russell what a fantastic wife he has," said Mr Kendal.

"We have all vowed to keep in touch and I am hoping to return the favour soon by introducing them to my girlfriend."