A 13-YEAR-OLD girl who delivered her own sister after paramedics were delayed due to heavy snowfall has been rewarded for her bravery.

Michaela Barton, from Gravesend, was presented with the Good Friends & Carers regional prize at the Spirit of Try Angle Awards for Young Achievers.

Now 14, Michaela delivered baby Emma when her mum Stacey went into labour during bad weather just after midnight on January 10.

Following instructions from a 999 operator, she safely delivered her sister moments before paramedics arrived.

On winning the award, Michaela, who now hopes to become a midwife, said: "I'm really pleased.

"I felt quite calm when I went up to collect my certificate."

Michaela was accompanied to the ceremony by her family, including her 54-year-old nan, Rose Davis, nine-month-old Emma and her friend Curtis Chandler, 14.

She was presented with a certificate and trophy by 14-year-old Olivia Hunt, who won a Try Angle award last year, and chairman of Kent Youth County Council Dara Farrell.

Single-mum Miss Barton, 34, said: "I'm really pleased and proud of Michaela.

"She has done so well under difficult circumstances."

On recalling the night her sister was born, Michaela told News Shopper her mum woke her at 12.30am, saying the baby was on its way.

Michaela then woke up her younger brothers Tom, 12, Charlie, eight, and Louie, two, brought them downstairs and put her mum on the settee.

She says she was not fazed about delivering the baby.

Michaela said: "I just did it, I didn't really think about it.

"I didn't know what to do but I'd been to a couple of midwife appointments with my mum and I'd felt the baby moving.

"I spoke to the 999 operator, who was giving me advice."

Michaela says she did not tell any of her friends about delivering baby Emma until the story appeared in the newspapers the following week.

She said: "I didn't want anyone to know.

"Mum had told some of my teachers so I got a certificate for quick thinking from school.

"I felt really excited as it was the first time I'd been up in assembly."

The awards, which were given out at Ashford International Hotel, were set up by Kent County Council (KCC) to acknowledge bravery in youngsters.

Michaela was one of five to get an award in a presentation which saw performances including a rendition of Hallelujah by 16-year-old singer Annette Tony-Fadipe.

KCC cabinet member for community services Mike Hill said: "Each year, the Try Angle Awards give incredible young people the recognition and tributes they deserve for their truly inspirational achievements.

"I never fail to be impressed by these young people who work so hard, sometimes in the face of adversity.

"I congratulate all those who have received an award at both district and countywide level."