A seven-year-old girl saved her father's life - with a jam sandwich!

Laura Schneider was at home with her diabetic dad Zoltan when he slumped over the kitchen table and started to slip into a coma.

Amazingly, the youngster, pictured with her father, realised what was happening and rushed to his aid.

She knew about her dad's diabetes and, instead of panicking, calmly went to the cupboard to get bread and jam to make a sandwich. She loaded it with so much jam that the instant shot of sugar was enough to bring Zoltan round.

Mr Schneider, 39, of Dennison Fold, Tyersal, Bradford, who is dependent on insulin to control his condition, today described his daughter as "the star of my life"."Without her I wouldn't be here," he said. "I can usually tell when these attacks are coming because you sweat and shake, but it just hit me so fast.

"I managed to get from upstairs down into the dining room and I was at the table going to make myself a meal when I collapsed.

"Laura was just playing and she saw what happened and asked me if I was okay and did I want a sandwich, I just said 'yes, jam' and luckily she put a lot of jam on it."

Laura, who has a five-year-old sister Danielle, was yesterday honoured for her actions by St John Ambulance at a special assembly in her school, Fearnville Primary, Tyersal.

She received a certificate of commendation for acting calmly and effectively while dealing with a first aid incident and a letter of praise from Peter Brown, its chief commissioner for youth.

After receiving the award, a shy Laura said: "I saw my dad was poorly and I just wanted to help him.

"I knew he needed a sandwich because he has told me about his diabetes and what to do. I am happy I helped make him better."

Keith Lorrimer, St John Ambulance school's liaison officer for West Yorkshire, said: "She acted very quickly and if she hadn't her father would have become unconscious and could have died.

"There is no doubt about it that she has saved his life."

Catherine Butler, who is head teacher at Fearnville Primary School, said she had now accepted an invitation from St John Ambulance to give first aid instruction to pupils.

"Laura is a credit to the school," she added.

Laura's mum Theresa said: "It is amazing how much children take in and you don't even realise."

St John Ambulance holds youth groups for children aged five and over between 5.45pm and 6.45pm on Wednesdays at the charity's headquarters in Legrams Lane, Bradford.