A TWO-YEAR-OLD tot from Innerleithen who dialled 999 and raised the alarm after her mum collapsed has been awarded a national life-saving honour.

Rowan Rychell, who is believed to be the youngest ever to receive an award from the Royal Humane Society, has been awarded one of their certificates of commendation.

And yesterday (Thursday) the remarkable youngster won the personal praise of Society secretary Dick Wilkinson.

He said : "Rowan is almost certainly the youngest person ever to receive an award.

"What she did was quite remarkable for some-one so young."

Rychell and her mum, Francesca, who suffers from a heart condition were alone at their home in Ballantyne Street on the afternoon of September 16, 2011 when Mrs Rychell collapsed and hit her head as she fell.

However, Rowan dialled 999 and called help.

Mr Wilkinson continued: "She is a truly remarkable girl who kept calm in what must have been the most terrifying day of her young life.

Somehow she made the vital call that ensured her mother received medical attention.

"Her family must all be immensely proud of her. They had clearly taught her well what to do in an emergency. She richly deserves this award.

"Rowan dialed 999 and, with the operator's help, police were directed to the house.

" When they arrived, Mrs Rychell was still unconscious but recovered after medical attention."

No date has yet been fixed for presentation of the award, made after a recommendation of Lothian & Borders Police, but it is expected to take place in the next few months.

The roots of the Royal Human Society stretch back more than two centuries.

Its president is Princess Alexandra and it is the premier national body for honouring bravery in the saving of human life.

It was founded in 1774 by two of the day's eminent medical men, William Hawes and Thomas Cogan. Their primary motive was to promote techniques of resuscitation.

However, as it emerged that numerous people were prepared to put their own lives at risk to save others, the awards scheme evolved, and today a variety of awards are made depending on the bravery involved.

The Society also awards non health care professionals who perform a successful resuscitation.

Since it was set up the Society has considered over 86,000 cases and made over 200,000 awards.

The Society is a registered charity which receives no public funding and is dependent on voluntary donations.