BRAVE Blackpool schoolgirl Charlene Mills is a child in a million.

The plucky ten-year-old has received a Millennium Child of Achievement Award for her determination to live life to the full despite battling serious illness.

Charlene, from Marton, had a kidney transplant when she was six and has had further treatment since then, as well as coping with learning difficulties.

Despite these hardships Charlene, a pupil at Highfurlong School, lives life to the full. As well as enjoying dancing and horse riding the bubbly schoolgirl also excels at sport. She won a gold award for swimming and badminton, plus a silver for athletics, in the 1998 and 1999 British Transplant Games.

Her courage was rewarded when she was presented with an award at London's Hilton Hotel on Saturday at a glittering ceremony attended by a host of TV and sports personalities, including June Whitfield, John Major and Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas. The annual Child of Achievement Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of 150 special children chosen from around the country.

Highfurlong headteacher Eddie Jackson said: "Charlene's sparkle and determination helped her overcome her illness and learning difficulties. She really is a special young lady and I congratulate her and hope she goes from here to even higher things."

Mr Jackson also paid tribute to Charlene's parents, Ken and Chris Mills, who adopted her last year, and to her teachers and classroom staff saying they have been a key factor in her achievements and success.

Her parents first met her at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital where a boy they were caring for was having dialysis.

Her father Ken said: "Charlene was given a second chance of life after her transplant and has managed to put all her earlier difficulties behind her. We are really proud of what she has achieved. Receiving the award was one of the happiest moments in her life."

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