A teenage girl who helped save the life of her neighbour when she was badly burned in a bonfire accident is the latest person to be nominated for a Pride in Medway award.

Rebecca Potts, 14, from Quickthorn Crescent, Walderslade, rushed to help neighbour Julie Clarke following the accident in May 2008.

The Medway Messenger reported at the time how Julie was airlifted to hospital with second-degree burns to her face and chest, after she poured petrol on a bonfire in her back garden. The horrific incident was witnessed by her nine-year-old son.

Rebecca dialled 999 and ran to the home of off-duty ambulance crew and fellow neighbours Emma and Paul Webber. Rebecca then helped the pair tend to Julie and also comforted Julie's two scared young children before further assistance arrived.

Rebecca, who was 13 at the time, remained calm during the emergency and has been praised by all of those involved.

Julie, who remained in hospital for three weeks following the accident, is full of praise for Rebecca and has nominated her for Pride in Medway.

The 40-year-old, who has since moved to Ditton, said: "Rebecca was my little lifesaver. She's an amazing little girl and she was so brave. I was in shock and I couldn't breath properly. If Rebecca hadn't come to my rescue I would have died."

Rebecca, a pupil at Walderslade Girls' School, said: "When I first saw Julie my reaction was 'Oh my god what shall I do' but then I remembered my cadet training. It didn't deal with burns specifically but we'd been shown how to deal with accidents, to call for help, remain calm etc.

"When Emma and Paul arrived I helped them get Julie in a bath of cold water until the paramedics arrived.