A QUICK-THINKING Scout has been hailed a hero for saving his mum's life after she suffered a stroke.

When Kathryn Darlow's speech began to fail and she lost movement in her side, her nine-year-old son Ethan Marriott said he "knew instinctively what to do".

Ethan sought emergency help and put into practice first aid skills that he has learnt at 20th Bolton Scout Group.

Kathryn, of Greystone Close, Westhoughton, said her son's quick-thinking "saved her life".

Ethan, who attends Eatock Primary School, said: "I just kept screaming 'mum is not well, mum is not well'. It was common sense. I just knew what to do in the moment."

His bravery has been recognised by his entire scout team, who organised a special trip to the East Lancashire Railway for the keen train spotter on Saturday.

The youngster has received a Chief Scout's Commendation for meritorious conduct, and has also been invited to a special presentation ceremony at Windsor Castle to receive the award.

Volunteer cub leader Kathryn said: "I wasn't talking properly. Ethan recognised that straight away.

"By the time I walked to the car I was completely incoherent. My left side all flopped. I had not realised how serious it was.

"He grabbed the car keys out of the ignition and stopped me from driving. He said I was talking rubbish. He knew there was something wrong. He put the hazard lights on. Then he got hold of my phone and rang his dad. He was just screaming down the phone 'mum is not well, mum is not well'. He was so persistent."

Kathryn had dismissed a headache as a migraine and gone to collect Ethan from an afterschool club at about 4pm on Monday, June 18. The pair had just got into their car, which was parked outside the school in Molyneux Road, when Ethan noticed his mum's speech was failing.

His immediate reaction was to take his mum's phone from her pocket and telephone his dad. At first he could only get through to the answerphone, so he continued to shout down the phone for help.

When his dad answered the phone and realised something was wrong, he telephoned the school and staff were able to locate Ethan. The school then phoned for an ambulance.

Kathryn was taken to Salford Royal Hospital and was kept in for a week. Her speech did not fully return for about three weeks.

Following counselling and support from an occupational therapist, the self-employed finance manager was able to return to work two weeks ago.

"Ethan's quick actions meant I received immediate treatment in the ambulance within 20 minutes of it all happening", Kathyrn said. "He saved my life."

Kathryn added: "I'm so thankful for the work of the hospital staff, the Stroke Association, and especially my Scout family. Everyone has been unbelievable."

Ethan had undertaken first aid training at his scout group, during which he was taught how to use a phone to get help.

Nick Kavanagh, assistant district commissioner for Cubs, said: "The first aid skills that Ethan learnt at Cubs meant he could recognise something wasn’t right with his mum and that one of the most important things to do was to get help fast.

"Ethan’s early action meant the emergency services could respond within minutes and ultimately resulted in his mum recovering fully."