A MOTHER who collapsed at her home said how she was saved by the quick-thinking of her four-year-old daughter who dialled 999.

Lisa Robson, 24, said she had just made breakfast for daughter, Caitlin, on Tuesday, when she passed out at the house in Chester-le-Street.

Instead of panicking, Caitlin - who had her fifth birthday two days later - calmly rang emergency services and told them what had happened.

Single mother Ms Robson, a hairdressing student, said: "I'm really proud of her. She is absolutely fantastic. You can teach kids to do things but you never think it's actually going to happen."

She learned later that she was suffering from an irregular heartbeat and had to undergo further tests. The incident was the first time that she had collapsed and she did not know about her condition until that point.

Ms Robson said: "I have always taught Caitlin to dial 999, with it just being me and her in the house. I thought if anything did happen, that would be the best thing to do."

Because of Ms Robson's recovery, Caitlin missed out on her fifth birthday party planned for this weekend, but the pair are planning a celebration as soon as they can.

Paul Liversidge, director of accident and emergency for the North East Ambulance Service, said: "It's amazing what kids are capable of. The important thing is that children are taught not to be frightened to dial 999 when there is an emergency."