A WOMAN has helped save a life using skills she learned teaching youngsters how to deal with critical situations.

Gillian Corking has received an award from Cleveland Fire Brigade for her quick thinking when she heard a woman screaming late one night in April.

She got out of bed and ran out of her home in Saltney Road, Stockton,when she saw a woman at her bedroom window with smoke bellowing out the building.

Ms Corking ran back inside and told her daughter to phone the fire brigade. She then ran outside to give the trapped neighbour advice.

Telling her to keep all internal doors shut and to stay by the window, Ms Corking kept talking to her in order to keep her calm.

She had learned how to deal with fire emergencies as part of her work with Crucial Crew, a scheme involving Cleveland Fire Brigade, which teaches children how to deal with fire.

Bob Earley, community safety officer at Cleveland Fire Brigade, organised the award for Ms Corking earlier this week.

He said: "It is great to see somebody putting what we have taught into action. Gillian did everything exactly right and it is fantastic she's getting recognition for her actions.

"Making a fire plan and thinking how you would escape from your home can increase the chances of you surviving a house fire."

No one was hurt in the blaze.