A quick-thinking teenage St John Ambulance Cadet who saved her dad's life has scooped an award for her efforts.

Charlotte Ellett who is 15 and from Gravesend, was among the winners at St John Ambulance’s everyday heroes awards, what was held in London.

She saved the life of her 46-year-old dad, Nick, when she recognised the symptoms of potentially fatal sepsis.

The Mayfield Grammar School pupil insisted an ambulance should be called after returning home from school to find her dad seriously ill.

The charity’s annual event recognises the outstanding bravery and first aid skills of individuals and teams of people who stepped forward when it mattered most to help others, support communities, and have a positive impact on health.

The ceremony was hosted by celebrity vicar and one half of the 80s pop band The Communards, Rev Richard Coles and was held last Monday, September 24.

The awards were presented by celebrity guests, including TV medic and Strictly Come Dancing hopeful, Dr Ranj Singh and singer Patti Boulaye.

On May 3, Charlotte's dad, who suffers from an unrelated heart condition, had to lie down after lunch because he felt shivery and unwell.

Thinking he just had a touch of flu, his wife Aquilla took his temperature, but unfortunately got a falsely low reading.

Charlotte, of Ferguson Avenue, who is a St John Ambulance cadet in Northfleet, came home from school to find here dad was quite unwell.

Her mum had popped out for 20 minutes and during that time Charlotte became increasingly worried about him.

His lips and nails had gone blue, indicating low oxygen levels.

As Aquilla returned home, Charlotte pressed her to call for an ambulance explaining her dad was in grave danger.

Initially, Aquilla called the doctor’s surgery asking for an emergency call back but Charlotte then checked her dad again and told her mum she must call an ambulance.

Thanks to her first aid training with St John Ambulance, Charlotte knew how serious his symptoms were.

When paramedics arrived, they measured his temperature at over 40 degrees and took him immediately, under blue lights, to hospital, where urgent treatment for sepsis was given and a leg infection later identified as the cause.

Nick said: “It’s astonishing what she did.

"I’m sure she would have done it for anyone, but she did it for me, her dad.

"Not everyone would be able to stay calm in a family situation like that; I’m very grateful.”

Her mum Aquilla added: “I definitely think Charlotte saved Nick’s life.

"By the next morning he may not have been with us if she hadn’t persuaded me to call an ambulance.”

Charlotte is interested in pursuing medicine as a career and would like to be neurological consultant.

As a St John Ambulance cadet, she regularly takes part in first aid duties at events such as the Kent County Show and motocross.

She’s also been a cadet first aider at the London Marathon.

Charlotte said: “Being a St John Ambulance cadet has taught me the skills to save a life, but I also get to volunteer alongside amazing people.

"You meet and help people from all walks of life and it’s so nice to know you’ve helped someone in their moment of need, like I did for my dad.

"To win this award is amazing - I didn’t expect it at all.

"My St John Ambulance training gave me the skills to assess my dad’s condition.

"I would have done it for anyone, but to know I’ve helped him is an incredible feeling.”