WHEN Joshua Harris-Cox's mother collapsed at home the four-year-old knew exactly what to do.

He followed his rehearsed 999 training session to the letter, dialling the emergency number immediately.

Then, keeping calm, he explained to the operator his mother, Nicky, had fallen on the floor - and that he was on his own with two-year-old sister Olivia.

Now Joshua's mother has dubbed her son a super hero for his swift actions.

Joshua, a pupil at Ripon Cathedral Primary School, has won widespread praise - not only from his mother but North Yorkshire Police, the emergency service and his school.

Mrs Harris-Cox said: "He knew exactly what to do and was still talking on the phone to the operator when the police arrived."

It is believed he was on the phone for more than 20 minutes.

Despite suffering a neck injury, Mrs Harris-Cox, of Lickley Street, Ripon, was revived by two police officers who arrived ahead of an ambulance crew.

Police described Joshua's action as a special performance, despite the youngster's fright at what happened.

He has been rewarded by his mother for his bravery with an Action Man toy while his school awarded him two certificates marking his courage and common sense - one from his class teacher, the other from the headteacher.