An eight-year-old boy has been given a bravery award for saving his mother's life.

Alfred Harmsworth's other suffers from diabetes and has collapsed several times.

On each occasion the youngster has calmly moved her into the recovery position and called an ambulance.

It has happened so many times that Alfred, from Staplefield near Cuckfield, has been recognised by Sussex Ambulance Service.

His mother said Alfred, a pupil at Ardingly College junior school, had a "sixth sense" and knew instinctively when she needed help.

She said: "He wakes up at one or two in the morning and just knows when I'm suffering. He tries to give me Lucozade and if that doesn't work he calls an ambulance.

"Alfred is an amazing boy, I'm very lucky to have him."

Alfred was given a Young Carer's Certificate by ambulance staff to thank him for his hard work and bravery.

Janine Bell, from Sussex Ambulance, said: "He is a very brave lad who thoroughly deserves this."

Amanda Batchelor, an ambulance technician, said: "Alfred is truly amazing and displays common sense way beyond his years."

Technician Luke Edrich, who presented Alfred with his award, said: "He makes all the difference, we're always pleased to see him."

Alfred received his award at Haywards Heath ambulance station where he sat in an ambulance and met many of the staff.

The youngster has a burgeoning film career and is currently starring in A Little Trip To Heaven, which premiered at the renowned Sundance Film Festival in Utah in January.

Alfred had a starring role in the 2002 movie Nicholas Nickleby.

In A Little Trip to Heaven he plays Thor, the son of Julia Stiles's character, Isold.