A QUICK-thinking young heroine has received a certificate from the police, after taking control of a potentially fatal situation – and saving her mother's life.

A police commendation award has been presented to eight-year-old Jessica Emily Coe, of Millbrook, during a special assembly held at the school she attends, Fourlanesend primary near Kingsand.

The award follows Jessica's actions when she woke in the early hours of August 14 this year to find that her mother, Kay Coe, who suffers from diabetes, had collapsed, and was lying unconscious on her bedroom floor.

Jessica kept her nerve and telephoned the police and ambulance for help. As it was 2am, and she was afraid that the services wouldn't be able to find their house, she also turned on all the lights to allow them to identify it quickly.

In presenting her with the commendation Inspector Day, of Devon and Cornwall police, said her speedy and sensible reactions, under very stressful conditions, had undoubtedly saved her mother's life.

The commendation mentioned her 'courageous actions' in enabling her mother to receive 'urgent medical attention'.

After receiving her certificate Jessica was congratulated by all her schoolfriends at Fourlanesend.