Plucky Scarlett Neill has been presented with a special award for coming to the rescue when her mum was knocked unconscious after a fall downstairs.

The cool-headed five-year-old from Glemsford, near Sudbury, has been praised by her parents and school after she calmly contacted the emergency services following the accident involving mum Sam.

The youngster also called her dad, Joe, and looked after little brother Harvey – who was in his mum’s arms during the fall – before paramedics arrived at their home.

Sam, who suffered sprains and bruises to her neck, hip and ribs but has now made a full recovery, said: “I was carrying Harvey down the stairs when I missed the second step and fell to the bottom.

“I hugged Harvey tightly so he would land on me, but I was knocked unconscious. The next thing I knew, I had woken up and Scarlett was talking to the ambulance crew.

East Anglian Daily Times: Scarlett Neill has been presented with a special award after her swift action when her mum fell down the stairs Picture: GLEMSFORD PRIMARY ACADEMYScarlett Neill has been presented with a special award after her swift action when her mum fell down the stairs Picture: GLEMSFORD PRIMARY ACADEMY (Image: Archant)

“I was worried about Harvey, but Scarlett told me to stay still and that everything was fine.”

Unbeknown to Sam, Scarlett also called her dad to say “Mum had fallen asleep at the bottom of the stairs” and made sure brother Harvey was safe in front of the television.

Sam added: “Scarlett was amazing - the front door was locked so she even had to tell the ambulance the best way to the back door.

“It surprised me how calm she kept but I think she knew I needed help.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Five-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYFive-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Scarlett’s actions were recognised in a special assembly at Glemsford Primary School where she was presented with a ‘Glemsford Angels’ award.

Headteacher Ben Jeffery said: “We were blown away to hear how brave and mature Scarlett had been in such a worrying time.

“When we celebrated Scarlett`s achievement in assembly we played the recording of the phone call and it was an inspirational and emotional moment.

“We are all very proud of Scarlett and pleased that mum has recovered.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Five-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYFive-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

The Glemsford Angels are a group of local people committed to improving community life for the residents of Glemsford.

Chairman Fiona Dinning-Cole said: “I was honoured to award a Glemsford Angel to an outstanding young person.

“Scarlett Neill is a star who showed such resourcefulness in her family’s time of need.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Five-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYFive-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

East Anglian Daily Times: Five-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYFive-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

East Anglian Daily Times: Five-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYFive-year-old Scarlett Neill who saved her mum Sam by phoning her dad, when Sam fell down the stairs whilst holding 23-month-old Harvey and was unconscious at their home in Glemsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)