'Little hero' and police obsessed Tyler gets the VIP experience with Durham Police after he became a lifesaver last month when he saved his dads life by calling 999.

Brave eight-year-old Tyler, from Bowburn, called 999 after his dad, Jamie Miller, suffered a serious diabetic coma and fell unconscious at their home.

"Daddy is sick" are the words Tyler Turnbull said on the phone which alerted the emergency services.

Tyler, 8, from Bowburn (Image: Family) Despite being frightened, Tyler stayed calm, reassured his scared four-year-old sister Amber, and provided crucial information to emergency services that enabled officers to rush to the scene.

Police arrived within minutes to find Jamie unconscious and struggling to breathe.

Paramedics quickly determined that he was suffering from a severe diabetic attack that could have been fatal if not for Tyler's quick thinking.

Jamie , 37, spent a week in hospital recovering but is now doing well.

Tyler's mum, Samantha Turnbull, said the whole family couldn't be prouder of Tyler, who also has Global Developmental Delay meaning his brain is equivalent to that of a 4-year-old. Making him an even greater hero.

"Jamie is Type 1 diabetic and he had been unwell and slipped into a diabetic coma," the 33-year-old said.

"He was on his own and not able to make anyone aware that he was sick but Tyler managed to get his phone and phone 999 so he did everything to help him.

Tyler, 8, from Bowburn (Image: Family) Samantha credits Tyler's life-saving actions to lessons they had taught him after a previous incident. "We taught Tyler how to call for help, but I never imagined he'd be able to do it. He's our little hero."

"Jamie is a very lucky man," Miss Turnbull said. "He had taken poorly once before when I was there so at that point we decided to teach Tyler about how to call for help and I'm so thankful we did.

"It's not something I expected he'd be able to do so we're super proud."

PC Jordan McGregor, who was first on the scene, praised Tyler for knowing to call for help.

He said: "Tyler is an amazing little boy who undoubtedly helped save his dad's life by calling 999 - not many young children would know how call for help in an emergency and he showed courage and bravery helping us to help his daddy.

"Tyler is very enthusiastic about the police but was apprehensive that he may be in trouble for contacting the police when he did so he deserves extra credit for that too!"

Tyler in the police van (Image: Durham Constabulary) After hearing about Tyler's extraordinary bravery, his neighbourhood team decided to give him the VIP experience in time for Christmas.

The police-obsessed little boy was picked up from school by the team on Wednesday, December 18 and given a special ride in the police car before being presented with presents donated by the local Tesco.

Tyler and his presents with the Durham Police (Image: Durham Constabulary) Police clapped for Tyler to commend him for being so brave and all high fived him in a very touching moment.

Durham Police clapping for Tyler (Image: Durham Constabulary) Previously speaking to the Echo his mum Samantha told us that Tyler is police obsessed and really wants to be a policeman when he is older.

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Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Daniel Beardmore, said the team were delighted to visit Tyler and praise him for his brave actions.

He said: "Tyler was brilliant and no doubt saved his daddy's life, which is even more extraordinary given his age and disabilities so we were honoured to come and say well done in person.

"We all need more Tyler's in the world and we hope he and his whole family have a fantastic Christmas."