A QUICK-thinking boy from Chorley has received a national accolade for taking care of his dad after an accident.

Matthew Berry, who is nine, tried to bring his unconscious father, Stuart, round before calmly cycling to the nearest house, calling an ambulance then guiding paramedics to the scene in Astley Park.

Matthew, a St John Ambulance Badger, travelled to London to receive his prize after his efforts netted him the runner-up position in the Badger of the Year awards.

His mum Helen, a cleaner from Commercial Road, Chorley, said: "We're all very proud of him. I cannot get over how calm he was. I was panicking and didn't have a clue what to do, but Matthew took control. It just didn't seem to faze him at all."

The family were on a cycle ride through Astley Park last September when Matthew and his wood-machinist dad raced off. Mum Helen followed with her youngest son Alex, six.

After hearing Matthew shouting, she rode towards the pair and saw insulin-dependent diabetic Stuart, 42, lying unconscious on the ground. She said: "He'd gone down a hill and smacked straight into a wall. Matthew was stroking his face to try and bring him round and when I got there he just said 'You stay here, I'm going for help'.

"He cycled towards nearby Merefield, knocked on a door and asked if he could phone an ambulance.

"He told the paramedics where to go and then waited for them at the park gates.

"I just saw him pedalling past me and he was still so calm."

By the time paramedics arrived, Stuart had regained consciousness and did not have to go to hospital.

Matthew's Badger Sett leader Neil Wilkinson suggested Matthew, who was eight at the time, should be entered for the national Roy Follett awards for Badger of the Year.

He said: "We're all delighted that Matthew has received this prestigious award.

"The fact he remained so calm is brilliant -- it's one of the first things we teach badgers."

Matthew, a pupil at St Lawrence's CE Primary School, received his prize, a silver identity bracelet, a certificate and £50 for his sett, at London Zoo. He said: "I just did what I've learnt in training. I was a bit shaky when I went to get the ambulance, but I'm glad that my dad is OK."

Matthew has also been invited to Buckingham Palace to meet Princess Anne and will take part in a St John Ambulance parade through London.

Stuart said: "I can't remember anything about the accident, but if it hadn't been for Matthew's reaction, goodness knows what would have happened. I'm just glad I was wearing a crash helmet .

"We're really proud of Matthew. I couldn't thank him enough.