A GIRL guide from Wallingford has won a prestigious national award after saving her mum from choking.

Lauren Campbell, 12, received the Guiding Star Award for showing great initiative during the incident last year.

The award was a surprise, at a ceremony attended by various Guiding officials and Wallingford's mayor on Wednesday night.

Jenny Fanstone, the leader of 2nd Wallingford Guides, said: "It's a big deal, we are very very proud of her.

"Lauren's mum wasn't expecting it - her face was a picture."

Having just earned her first aid badge at Guides last autumn, Lauren was at home when mum Samantha choked during a meal and began to panic.

Lauren stayed calm and reassured her, before performing the correct treatment to clear her mum’s airways.

Girlguiding Anglia Deputy Region Commissioner, Andrea Oughton, presented the award at Wallingford Town Hall - where the guides were expecting a standard Christmas party.

Mrs Fanstone continued: "Our request for recognition passed all the way up to the national Girlguiding Awards Committee, who decided to honour her for bravery and determination in challenging situations. This award is given to a member who has displayed exceptional courage or who has shown great initiative or responsibility during an incident."

Meanwhile, her daughter Megan Fanstone, 13, was given the Baden Powell award at the same ceremony.