A ROOKIE soldier has been praised for her actions in helping a young mother and her children in Northern Ireland.

Gunner Butfakorm Hemrathananon, aged 18, from Scholar Green has been in the army for just nine months, and was involved in security operations in Drumcree.

She and the troops were on duty in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary at Oban Street in Portadown when a neighbour raised the alarm about the mother last weekend.

They discovered she was unconscious at her home in Portadown and the troops from 58 Battery, EYRE'S, 12th Reg royal Artillery radioed for an ambulance and gave basic first aid.

Gunner Hemrathananon, a former Heathfield High School pupil, also took care of the two young children and comforted them until the local social services made arrangements for them to be looked after.

"I looked after the little baby and six-year-old girl for about two or three hours. I fed them and they were fine," said Gunner Hemrathananon.

Police later praised the troops for their swift actions.

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