QUICK-thinking children saved the life of their toddler sister after her dress caught fire whilst she hugged their new puppy.

Cocker Spaniel pup Jaxon had been bathed and was drying in front of the fire when two-year-old Emma Burton bent down to hug him – but within a split second of reaching for him, the toddler’s dress caught fire.

Her siblings, Wesley, five, Joseph, seven and Bethany, nine, quickly raised the alarm and shouted for their parents, Sarah and Stephen Burton.

The couple rushed to Emma’s aid and managed to rip her dress and nappy off, which had largely protected her from the worst of the flames during the traumatic incident.

An ambulance was called and Emma was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where she underwent a skin graft to treat burns to her back.

Mrs Burton said: “It all happened in a split second as her dress went up and Wesley screamed for help so we rushed to her.

“Emma’s back was completely in flames and her dad ripped the dress off. Thankfully her baby vest and nappy had taken the brunt of it so I managed to get them off – it was very scary.”

The toddler spent three weeks in hospital, meaning the family were largely apart for the Christmas break. Emma was released from hospital in the New Year and is recovering well.

Mrs Burton added: “We got home after New Year and the kids were fantastic especially because they had not had us for a lot over Christmas.

“They are little heroes and really look out for each other. We are really proud of them.”

The siblings have now been named Weardale Police’s Young Heroes for their bravery during the ordeal after being nominated by their teachers at Stanhope Barrington Primary School.

PCSO Kim Anderson, who visited the school to present the children with their special certificates and gift vouchers, said: “When we heard the Burton family’s story we knew Wesley, Joseph and Bethany deserved to be crowned as our young heroes.

“Their bravery and courage, not just during the incident but in the weeks that followed, is so admirable and we are all so proud of them.”

Any young person aged between 11 and 18 and living in the force area can be nominated for the Young Hero Awards. To make a nomination call 101 and ask to speak to the Crook Neighbourhood Police Team.