TWO Cheshire Police call handlers have been honoured by the force's chief constable after their quick-thinking saved the life of a teenager who had tried to take his own life.

Jackie Austin and Kaylie Lock's guidance over the phone helped to revive a 14-year-old boy who had attempted suicide.

The teen's mum, who spoke very little English, dialled 999 after finding him injured at their home in Warrington in December.

Kaylie and Jackie - who were 20 miles away in the control room at Cheshire Police's headquarters in Winsford - delivered instructions to a member of the public, who was able to bring the youngsters back to life as the pair arranged help from the emergency services.

Thankfully, the boy has since made a full recovery.

Jackie, from Paddington, said: "The family were very distressed and they didn't speak English as a first language either, so it was actually somebody they dragged in off the street who spoke to us on the phone.

"It was quite a tense moment, but we managed to get him back.

"We were quite lucky that the special officer who arrived at the scene was a paramedic, who then continued working on him until the ambulance got there - it was a good team effort."

Now Jackie and Kaylie have received awards from the chief constable of Cheshire Police for their life-saving actions.

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A force spokesman said: "The call was initially answered by Kaylie, who began speaking to the informant in a calm and controlled way that helped the informant to calm down and listen to Kaylie's first aid instructions.

"Time was of the essence, and it was absolutely critical that medical intervention was provided to the teenager.

"Kaylie was assisted by Jackie, who also provided critical advice and support to her in an attempt to provide vital first aid to the teenager."

Forty-one-year-old Jackie added: "The control room sometimes doesn't get the recognition it deserves, but it's been lovely to be recognised for this because I love my job."

If you have been affected by issues raised in this article, call the Samaritans for free on 116123 or youth suicide prevention charity Papyrus on 0800 068 4141.