A three-year-old has been praised by police for a quick-thinking phone call that helped save her mother's life.

Sofia Harman's mother, Patricia Hannington, suffers from a rare condition that causes her heart rate to speed up and her heart pressure to plummet.

Ms Hannington had previously told her daughter what to do in an emergency.

When she collapsed while painting the kitchen of the family home in Clacton, Essex, while partner James was at work, Sofia dialled 999.

Essex Police call handler Julie Buckley kept the little girl talking about her pet dog while trying to find her address.


Image: Sofia with Matt Horne from Essex Police, contact handler Julie Buckley, her mother Patricia and partner James

Police and ambulance crews arrived to take Ms Hannington to hospital just as her partner returned home.

On Thursday, Sofia and her family were welcomed to police headquarters in Chelmsford where she was given a bravery certificate and soft toys.

Her mother said: "I want to get across to other parents that it's never too early to speak to their children about calling 999.

"I am lucky to have such a brave little girl who knew what to do."

She added: "I'm so proud of Sofia.

Image: Sofia was given a bravery certificate and some soft toys

"It was nice to meet Julie to say thank you in person.

"Listening to the call, I'm amazed that she was able to keep Sofia talking for so long."

Essex Police Deputy Chief Constable Matt Horne said: "We are all very proud of Sofia and our emergency operator Julie.

"We have released the recording because Sofia's family want other families to know that we must start teaching our children how to call for help as early as possible."

Call taker Ms Buckley said: "Sofia is the real hero."