TWO quick-thinking youngsters have been praised by ambulance chiefs for dialing 999 when their diabetic mother collapsed at home.

Ryan and Paul Gray were off school with the flu when the drama happened at their home in Eastbourne Road, Darlington.

Lisa Rhodes, 33, a diabetic who is prone to fits, had also contracted flu symptoms. She began to feel weak and collapsed at the foot of the stairs.

With her partner at work, it was up to her children to act on advice she had given them about her condition.

Ryan, nine, at first tried to rouse her, and when this failed he phoned for an ambulance.

He told the emergenbcy operator exactly what had happened and waited outside while six-year-old Paul stayed with his mother.

Ms Rhodes, who was unconscious for about 30 minutes, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released the following day.

Yesterday, the boys were each presented with a special gold award and a box of chocolates at Heathfield Primary School where they told their story in assembly.

Their proud mother said: "Ryan's always remembered from being little what he should do, but this is the first time he's had to act on it.

"I'm so proud of them - they're my little soldiers.

"If I'd been on my own, I wouldn't like to think what could have happened."

Paul Liversidge, director of accident and emergency with the North-East Ambulance Service, said: "The actions of these youngsters was outstanding.

"It proves that when you have a family member suffering a complaint that may need hospital treatment, it is best to inform your children of how to contact the emergency services."