BRAVE schoolgirl Lauren Richmond met the rich and famous when she collected her Child of Achievement award.

Lauren, six, of Taylor Street, Barnoldswick, went to London with her family to collect her award, presented by television stars Gaby Roslin and Bob Holness, former prime minister John Major and Falklands war hero Simon Weston.

The awards are now in their 20th year and given to young children who have helped others or overcome illness and disability.

A pupil at Coates Lane County Primary School, Barnoldswick, Lauren is now in remission after being diagnosed with leukaemia in October 1999.

She was nominated for the award by head-teacher Sue Holloway, who described Lauren as one of the most remarkable children she had ever met and always had a smile on her face despite her illness.