LITTLE Emily Barrett may only be young, but she has courage well beyond her years.

Her fortitude was rewarded when an impressed 999 crew presented her with an award for her bravery.

Emily, seven, of Ugthorpe, near Whitby, suffered scalds and burns to her right arm, chest and leg when she knocked over a pan of boiling water.

The ambulance crew who attended the incident, Whitby-based Barry Frankland and Fred Elsey, were so impressed with her courage that they nominated her for the Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service Bravery Award.

"When we arrived, Emily was in the kitchen sink and her mum was covering her in cold water, which was the right thing to do. We used water gel to cool her down further," said Mr Frankland.

"The burns were bright red and were starting to peel, but she didn't cry once while we were with her. She was incredibly brave and really deserves this award."

The ambulance crew took the Lythe Primary School pupil, who was six at the time, to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where she stayed overnight while the burns were treated and dressed.

Emily's parents, Ruth, who runs the community post office in Ugthorpe, and Noel, a Whitby-based solicitor, said they were overwhelmed by the kindness of villagers, friends and family.

Mrs Barrett said: "Emily has received a lot of cards and gifts, including a huge get-well card from her school, which she was so grateful for.

"It's been a few months since the accident now and Emily has made a good recovery."