Father Christmas bringing little lifesavers an extra present this year

Father Christmas will be bringing little lifesavers Lily and Eva Barber an extra present each this year.

Their quick-thinking and calmness under pressure after mum Claire collapsed inside her car has led to numerous awards for bravery - and now national recognition at a top awards ceremony.

The sisters knew exactly what to do when Claire, 42, pulled over on the East Lancashire Road in Salford with a headache - then collapsed.

Lily, 10, dialled 999 and during a 10-minute conversation with Greater Manchester Police call handler Stephanie Bishop, she revealed their location, direction of travel, car type and Claire’s medical history.

Lily and sister Eva, seven, also directed police and paramedics to their location by reading out surrounding road signs and describing the area.

The story made headlines across the country in February after the tear-jerking 999 call was made public by police who went on to honour both Lily and Eva with special bravery awards.

Now the sisters have been honoured with certificates for bravery in the annual National Police and Public Bravery Awards.

Claire, from Boothstown in Salford, revealed she would give both her daughters a special Christmas cuddle this year and said she hopes Santa will surprise them with one or two extra presents.

The girls were given bravery awards from Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable Ian Hopkins at a ceremony, and went on a special tour of the force.

Mum Claire has a pre-existing medical condition after being diagnosed with meningitis as a child and made a complete recovery.