HE'S DONE it! Four-year-old Finley Browne from Southbourne, who helped his distraught mum and dad care for his dying baby sister has won the Water Babies Super Sibling Award.

The award, part of the Tommy's neo-natal baby charity, celebrates a big brother or sister who has proven to be wise beyond their years after the early arrival of their new baby brother or sister, and Finley was nominated by his mum, 36-year-old Helen Browne, a physiotherapist.

"Finley was just three years old when she was born in July 2016," said Helen. “We found out during pregnancy that Orla was very poorly and had Jeunes syndrome; explaining this to Finley was heart-breaking, but he took it in his stride. He would sing to her while I was pregnant and frequently kiss and cuddle my bump, he was so excited to be a big brother.”

When Orla was born her diagnosis was confirmed and palliative care was the only option and she was transferred to a local children's hospice so the family could be together.

Helen said: “Finley was so gentle with Orla and doted on her; when she cried he would sing to her and rush to get her a teddy or a rattle to help soothe her and it usually worked! He definitely had the magic touch."

Orla passed away three days after she was born, and Finley initially struggled to understand that his sister was gone and cried for her to come back.

“Finley has helped us survive our first year without Orla, he keeps Orla's memory alive and loves her with all his heart,” said Helen. "He's also been fund-raising for the hospice, too."

Finley and his family travelled to the Landmark Hotel in London to receive the award.