A QUICK-thinking schoolgirl from Blandford has been honoured for a calm response to her mother’s emergency illness.

Olivia Palmer, aged nine, received a bravery award from the Blandford branch of St John Ambulance at a ceremony held at the town’s Corn Exchange.

For when Olivia was woken recently by her mother’s screams, she didn’t panic, but calmly dialled 999 and asked for an ambulance.

“I’m very, very proud of her. The way Olivia responded was remarkable. She gave all my details and sat with me until the ambulance arrived and took me to hospital in Dorchester,” said mum, Allison.

With the exception of a “few tears” while she waited with her godmother, Olivia had been totally composed, said her proud mum, who received treatment for abdominal pains.

The Blandford girl is no stranger to helping others. When not studying at the Archbishop Wake primary school, Olivia joins other young volunteers training with the Badger unit of the Blandford St John Ambulance.