A GROUP of brave local youngsters have been named Children of Achievement after a VIP celebration in London.

The special awards, now in their 21st year, are given to just 150 youngsters each year. This year they were handed out on Sunday, February 10.

These determined children, all under the age of 16, are given the title for helping others or spend their lives battling with personal disability or illness.

And this area has more than its fair share of winners, including an extra special award for Eleanor Hall.

Eleanor, from Elswick, near Preston, was nominated for the award last summer, after going through a triple transplant operation -- for her liver, kidney, and bowel.

But after four-and-a-half months in hospital, and during the nomination process, Eleanor died aged 11. The award was given posthumously by Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

Eleanor was named a child of achievement for the way she coped with her illness.

Helen Blackwell, from Ingol, is just 13 years old and confined to a wheelchair with Cerebral Palsy.

Nominated for the award by her teacher, who describes her as 'an inspirational ray of sunshine', Helen's bravery has meant that just two weeks after an operation on her hip, she was back in school -- a place she loves.

Helen has a number of deaf friends, so has recently learned sign language so she can talk to them -- an idea she came up with herself.

Helen picked up her award from celebrities, including television presenter Gaby Roslin.

Other Child of Achievement award winners in Lancashire include Robert Parkinson, nine, and Rachel Parkes, ten.