Tot is up for award after saving mum

Photo: Anthony Miller

Jessica Ashford (3), who stood on a chair to reach her mum Susan Ashford's handbag, to find her phone, to call her grandmother, who called an ambulance when her mum fell down the stairs.

A HEROIC toddler has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Jessica Ashford, three, rushed to the aid of her mum after she tumbled down a flight of stairs at their Chadderton home.

The intuitive tot climbed on a chair to find Susan Ashford's handbag so that she could raise the alarm.

Asda sales assistant Mrs Ashford, 33, of Burnley Lane, said: "It is absolutely fantastic news that she has been put forward.

"I am over the moon with her.

"My customers have been saying she's amazing.

"I'm really proud of her for being nominated, especially when she is so young."

Jessica was nominated for her quick-thinking after she came to her mum's rescue last month.

Mrs Ashford had tripped over her daughter's comfort blanket on her way downstairs and fallen on her back.

She lost all feeling from her waist down following the tumble down 10 steps.

Jessica called her grandma, who in turn called paramedics, and then preceded to open the door to let in the emergency services.

The youngster, who started at Apple Tree Nursery earlier this month, featured in an Oldham Chronicle article on September 20 for her valiant efforts.

Mrs Ashford said: "She was really shocked to see herself in the newspaper and kept saying "Mummy, it's me.

"She has made lots of friends at nursery already.

"She loves it so much it took 25 minutes to pull her away on the first day.

"Jessica is warm, very bubbly and loving.

"She comes across shy on first meetings but warms quickly.

"People that meet Jess automatically fall in love with her."