A BRAVE nine-year-old girl helped save her mother's life - using a first-aid technique she learnt at Cubs.

Samantha West leapt to her mother's aid when she found her collapsed at their home in Greenmeadow, Cwmbran.

Samantha put her mum Frances McNeice in the recovery position and then tried to keep her talking until paramedics arrived - something she had only recently been taught at Cubs.

They had been shown how to roll people on their sides to prevent them from from choking.

Today Miss McNeice, 40, told the Argus: "I don't think I would be here today if it wasn't for Samantha."

Miss McNeice has suffered from blackouts for a few months and doctors don't know why.

Samantha, a pupil at Woodlands Junior School in Thornhill, said: "I just put mum in the recovery position.

"I called my dad and he told me to stay there and keep my mum on her side while he called an ambulance.

"I was scared but I kept talking to her. The ambulance people said I had been very brave."

Sue Preston, assistant leader of First West Pontnewydd Cub Scouts, said first-aid was one of the first badges they teach young Cubs.

"We've had Cubs who have treated cuts and nosebleeds but never anything like this."

Samantha's sister Kirsty, 11, also talked to her mother as they waited for the ambulance to arrive.

Grateful Miss McNeice said she was very proud of both Samantha and her sister.

She said: "I don't know what to say to them. "Neither of them panicked, which I think I would have done in that situation. When I came home I thanked Samantha and said she had been a brave girl. She had a huge hug."

Miss McNeice's partner, Antony West, said: "Samantha comforted Frances while I talked to the ambulance service. Samantha kept her in the recovery position and stopping her choking.

"Her sister Kirsty helped me by phoning for her grandfather and letting the ambulance crew in."