SEVEN-year-old Billy Stewart did not hesitate when he found his baby sister dying in her cot.

The cool-headed youngster gently turned over her lifeless body after he found her struggling for breath. Then he went to get his mother, Andrea.

Doctors said five-month old Jorja would have died, possibly within half an hour, but for Billy's quick thinking on Sunday morning (June 1).

Neighbours in Albert Street, Bury, went to the stricken mum's aid when she screamed for help. Jorja was taken to Fairfield General Hospital by ambulance where she was given oxygen throughout Sunday and treated for suspected "missed cot death".

Doctors carried out a series of other tests to establish the cause of her illness. Billy's grandmother Jessie said later: "The doctors told us that Jorja would have died had Billy not found her when he did. Jorja was lying face down between the mattress and the cot wall. Billy did everything right. He was brilliant."

Dr David Cliff, who has been treating Jorja since she was admitted into the children's ward at Fairfield, said that the most likely explanation for her illness was "missed cot death".

He added: "The consultant believes that if Jorja had not been found when she was then she would have died within half an hour. She was very unwell when she came in but I expect her to make a full recovery.

"As for Billy, he is a very remarkable young man. His actions saved his sister's life and the nursing staff have made sure he knows he is a hero."

Hero Billy is pictured with his sister, Jorja, after his cool-headed actions.

Staff and pupils at Billy's school, St Paul's C of E in Bury, applauded the youngster during the morning assembly when he returned to school after the weekend.

Head teacher Mr Trevor Croasdale said everyone at the school was delighted for Billy and their prayers and thoughts were with his sister.

Jorja's was discharged late on Wednesday (June 4).