A YOUNG girl who raised the alarm to a blaze in her home has been given a bravery award by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

Ellie Taylor woke to the sound of a smoke alarm in the extension of her home on Coniston Road, Barnsley, at 3.30am on December 20, 2013.

Ellie, who was just 11 at the time, immediately went to wake her mum and dad, insisting they get up and escape.

Her swift actions ultimately saved the lives of her dad, David, mum Gail, sister Gracie and brother Brad, who were all able to get out of the house safely.

One fireman told the family the flow of smoke was stemmed by the doors Ellie closed, allowing the family extra time to escape.

She said she acted on fire safety advice she had been given as a 'switch off monitor' at Queen's Road Academy.

Now Ellie, 12, who was nominated for Proud of Barnsley Award last year, has been given a bravery certificate for her quick actions, which was presented to her at Barnsley fire station in front of her family and the fire crew who attended the incident.