A CUMBRIAN teenager found himself playing a vital role in a rare mishap that happened during the mourning period for Queen Elizabeth II.

Lucas Hayes, from Grange, and a Private in the 4th Armoured Medical Regiment, was called into action when a guard fainted while attending on the Queen lying in state at the Palace of Westminster at 1am on Friday.

Footage shows the 18-year-old, who was one of 16 army medics selected for the solemn duty of attending the vigil, as one of several officials who rushed to the unfortunate guardsman's aid when he collapsed and fell off the podium while watching over the late monarch's coffin.

Jo Hayes, Lucas' mum, said she and Lucas' dad Kieron were 'extremely surprised, but obviously proud' that their son had been chosen for such an extraordinary duty.

"We couldn't believe it - obviously there are a lot of medical officers in the army, and he was one of only 16 chosen, and did six-hour shifts from Wednesday until Sunday," she said.

READ MORE: Cumbria unites to mark passing of Britain's longest serving monarch

"With him being quite young and quite new, we were taken aback, but at the same time, delighted.

"I think it will stand him in good stead for his future career, especially the fact that he was actually called into action.

"He was also on duty when the King did his vigil so it's been an eventful week for all of us."

Jo said that Lucas has thrived since joining the army, but a military life wasn't always the plan.

"This is why careers days at school are so important - he was bored, and saw Harrogate Foundation College there, which is a 6th form college that prepares young men and women for the army, and sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, and he went over and spoke to them, and then said: 'That's it, that's what I'm doing'," she said.

"He worked so hard to get in and it was a fantastic opportunity, even though he went there during lockdown, which was hideous, but he made some great friends.

"They didn't leave their rooms but they managed to all pass out. 

"We couldn't go to the passing out parade, we had to watch from a lay-by near Harrogate. 

"In August he became a qualified skydiver. 

"My husband's a skydiving instructor and he taught him to skydive within five days which is a real achievement. 

"He's done these really incredible things in the last two months."