A PAPERBOY has saved an elderly woman from freezing to death on her bathroom floor.

John Stott, 14, was on his paper round when he noticed that the 79-year-old, who lives on her own, had not collected her newspaper from the door.

When he went back the next day, and the second paper had not been collected, the youngster alerted police, who broke in.

They found the woman lying on her bathroom floor. She had been there for almost two days and was suffering from hypothermia, The woman was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, where she is recovering.

John said last night: "When I realised the papers had not been collected, I got one of the lady's neighbours and we started calling her from outside.

"When we heard a grunt from upstairs, we decided to call the police.

"The paramedics said that if she had been there for another three or four hours she would not have survived.

"I always try to keep a look out for the older people who I deliver papers to. I think some of the others who do paper rounds are keeping an eye out now as well." John's mother, Tracey Garbutt, of Repton Avenue, Roseworth, Stockton, said: "I'm proud of him. One of the neighbours came round and said well done to John, that he had saved the old lady's life.

"You read so much bad stuff in the papers about kids of his age, but John has proved that they're not all bad."

An ambulance spokesman said: "It is quite possible that he did save her life. If he hadn't notified someone then she could still be there now."

John is in year ten at Our Lady and St Bede's School, in Stockton, and is studying for his GCSEs next year, including drama and art. He is hoping to be an actor.

Teacher Nicola Spinks said: "We think he is a real hero, and the school is very proud of him."