Amelia Boyle picked up a ringing phone after her mother, 20-year-old Elizabeth Boyle, had collapsed in their Essex home.

The baby then repeatedly said "Mama" down the phone - raising the alarm to the caller, her grandmother Linda Wright.

Ms Wright, whose daughter has a history of fainting and fitting, realised something was wrong and dialled 999. Paramedics were dispatched to the scene.

When the ambulance crew arrived, they found Miss Boyle conscious but in a confused state.

The mother was later told her phone had been answered by her daughter - and how the baby had played such a vital role in getting help.

Joy Hale, of the East of England Ambulance Service, said: "We often hear of children who help their parents but this is one of the youngest we've been told about.

"We're so pleased that she helped get aid to her mum quickly."

The spokeswoman added that the mother did not need hospital treatment.