A MOTHER who was knocked unconscious when she slipped on water leaking from a faulty air conditioning unit while on holiday in Tenerife has been awarded £37,000 in compensation.

Sylvia McNicholl, 49, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, slid on a pool of water as she helped her three-year-old son to the toilet.

She fell backwards and hit her head on a cupboard door, leaving her unconscious and in need of stitches.

The water had come from an air conditioning unit, which was not properly maintained, at Fanabe Costa Sur hotel in Tenerife.

Mrs McNicholl, who was on the trip with her husband Patrick, said the accident in May 2008 has had a lasting effect as she suffered painful headaches and dizziness afterwards, and now has a limited sense of taste and smell.

Tour operator Thomas Cook paid out £37,000 for her pain and suffering, and the cost of the ruined holiday, as well as a contribution towards her loss of earnings and care needs.

Thomas Cook said the hotel had taken steps to help prevent another accident occurring.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk