WHEN proud dad Stephen McLaughlin heard about the Ocean FM Local Heroes awards he wasted no time nominating his son Andrew after the youngster quite possibly saved his life.

Andrew, of Stanier way, Hedge End, has been nominated in the category of Local Hero in the up and coming Daily Echo-backed Ocean FM awards run in conjunction with Allday's convenience stores

Eight-year-old Andrew was at home watching television with just his dad in the house when he heard a thud from the next room.

When he went to investigate he found his dad unconscious on the floor having apparently blacked out.

Instead of panicking Andrew raced to the phone and called for an ambulance but knew he couldn't wait when the operator told him to hold.

Mr McLaughlin said what impressed him most was his son's insistence he could not wait.

He said: "I was just amazed that he knew that he had to get help straight away, when he was told to hold on by the operator he knew he had to get help more immediately."

Andrew, a pupil at Berrywood School, Hedge End ran next door to neighbours and raised the alarm.

He said; "I just heard a bang and then I saw my dad on the floor. I just wanted to get help as quickly as I could because I was so worried about him. I am just really glad he was all right in the end, but I didn't know that dad had entered me in for an award."

Thankfully Mr McLaughlin's blackout was temporary and by the time paramedics were called he had come round.

Today Mr McLaughlin, who owns a personnel firm, paid tribute to his son. He said: "He was absolutely smashing, I am really proud of him and the way he dealt with the situation. These awards are such a good idea because it rewards people for the good things they do.

"I believe if you praise children when they do outstanding things you make them into better adults and parents in later life."