A 12-YEAR-OLD girl has received a Royal seal of approval for her quick-thinking and calm actions in an emergency.

Heroic Melanie Lawson, who is a pupil at Parrenthorn High School, Prestwich, was invited to meet HRH Princess Anne at a special Buckingham Palace reception after she stepped in to help her injured six-year-old cousin following an accident.

Melanie, of Parrenthorn Road, Prestwich, was staying overnight at her aunt's home in Bury Old Road when her young playmate Robin Betteridge tripped and fell downstairs.

On reaching the bottom, Robin hit his head and started to fall in and out of consciousness.

Quick-thinking Melanie jumped into action and administered first aid, placing Robin in the recovery position and applying a cold compress to his bump. Using the information she had gained from just one first aid lesson with the St John Ambulance, Melanie kept Robin awake by talking to him while they waited for an ambulance.

Mum Deborah Lawson (31) takes up the story: "Robin's mum, Amanda, was flapping. When she phoned me to tell me what had happened she was hysterical but Melanie calmly took over the situation."

She added: "Melanie had just started a first-aid course and had her first lesson just two days before the accident. She made sure Robin was still breathing and got something cold from the freezer to put on his head."

Robin was taken to hospital with slight concussion where he made a full recovery. The Betteridge family have since moved to Colne.

Melanie was nominated for the St John Ambulance Royal Reception by the Bury Young Carers group, of which she is a member, and she was introduced to Princess Anne along with other heroic young people from around the country.

Proud Deborah said: "This was just typical of Melanie as she is well known in our street for helping others. She wants to be a carer when she is older and she helps out at weekends with her younger sister, Catherine, who is disabled.

"I am very proud of her. Princess Anne talked quite a lot to Melanie as she was made group leader for the trip. She praised her for her actions. No one would believe she was going to Buckingham Palace but we have the photographs to prove it!"

Bury Young Carers, which organised the first aid courses in conjunction with St John Ambulance, is a voluntary organisation that offers support to young people who help care for other members of their family.