Seven-year-old South Yorkshire schoolboy Thomas called 999 for an ambulance and then explained to the operator his mum Natalie, 30, suffered from epilepsy.

He explained her condition, gave his name and address and then made her as comfortable as possible until the ambulance arrived. Thomas has now come to the rescue on two separate occasions.

The latest incident happened late at night and because there was no-one to look after him Thomas had to go to Rotherham Hospital with his mum.

Now the youngster's family say he deserves an award for his cool head and quick-thinking.

Natalie, of Addison Road, Maltby, said: "He is my little superstar. When I have these fits he goes through the trauma as well. It can't be easy for him.

"I am lost for words because I don't know what I would do without him.

"He is my knight in shining armour."

Thomas' auntie Diane Loveday, 38, added: "When I arrived at hospital at 2.45am Thomas was with a nurse playing a computer game.

"My sister has explained to him about her illness and he has been told what to do if she has a fit.

"She has only had epilepsy for two and a half years and the doctors are still trying to get her medication right. There is only Natalie and Thomas in the house, so in an emergency he has to cope.

"I don't like to think what would have happened if Thomas hadn't been there."

Read more children's news in Kids Zone