A North Belfast child has been praised for her quick thinking after her sister began to choke in their bedroom.
Elizabeth Colgan, who attends the 108th Belfast Cub Scouts, jumped to action on Christmas Eve last year, when her two-year-old sister Sophia was struggling to breath.
The nine-year-old tried to help Sophia, who was making the "unmistakable sound of choking" - and went on to alert her parents.
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Mum Shannon used the first response training she completed as a Squirrel Leader to clear the tot's airway and allow her breathing and state to return to normal.
She told Belfast Live: "It was a very scary situation and I couldn't be more proud of Elizabeth's quick thinking and response time. It was a truly traumatic experience and if it wasn't for the actions of Elizabeth the unthinkable may have occurred."
Belfast County presented the John Ashenhurst Trophy for “the Cub who has done something remarkable” to Elizabeth, which was presented by the NI Chief Commissioner, Stephen Donaldson.
On receiving the award, young Elizabeth said: "This is the first time I have ever won anything, I'm not good at anything."
Stephen Mallett, Belfast County Commissioner praised Elizabeth's actions, which he says show how skills picked up in Scouts, can go on to save lives.
"Belfast County Scouts has around 3,000 members and we continuously find new ways to celebrate key success stories," he added.
"This is a key example of why Scouting is needed more than ever. When we heard of Elizabeth's story, it reminded us of all of the skills which we develop. I speak for all of Belfast County when I say we are immensely proud of Elizabeth and for the example, she has set for us all to continue our development."
For more information on the Scouts, please visit this link.
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