A LITTLE boy with cerebral palsy who defied all the odds with his fierce determination to walk and talk, has been chosen as the most courageous child in East Lancashire.

Eight-year-old Craig Walsh, of Henry Whalley Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, was diagnosed when he was born, and doctors said he would not be able to walk or talk.

His dad John started taking him to watch Blackburn Rovers when he was four years old, and the first word he said was "Shearer".

John nominated him for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Children of Courage Award, sponsored by Riva Clubs, and the pair won a VIP day at Blackburn Rovers, as well as a signed Rovers' ball.

They were taken to the ground by coach and had a tour of Ewood Park as well as a four-course meal before kick-off, then watched the match from an executive box.

Craig, who is a pupil at St Peter's RC Junior School in Mill Hill, Blackburn, wears plastic splints on both legs. His dad said he loves football, especially Rovers, and goes to every home game in his wheel chair.

He requires aids and equipment to assist in his daily life as well as physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.

John said: "Craig never complains about anything. He just gets on with his life. It's children at his school and where we live who have the problem, because he cannot talk well enough to be understood.

"Everyone who meets Craig is left feeling that they have certainly met a special child." After receiving the news that Craig had won, John said: "I'm really glad that people think Craig was deserving of the award. I took him to watch Rovers on the day and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. He didn't really understand that he'd won when I told him, although he did once we got to Ewood Park."

Runners-up prizes were also awarded, with second prize of £100 going to Gwyneth Dawson, of St Hilda's RC High School, Burnley, and third prize of £50 going to Alex Charnley, of York Court, Wilpshire.

Gwyneth, 15, was nominated by the school's head girl and deputy head girl for her bravery and selflessness. Gwyneth was diagnosed with a brain tumour a year ago, after almost 12 months of tests and physiotherapy. She was nominated because she never uses her illness as an excuse to stay off school, or seek attention, but to quietly set an example for everyone.

She said: "I knew that I'd been nominated but I was very surprised to hear that I'd won the second prize. It's absolutely amazing."

Seven-year-old Alex Charnley was nominated by his grandmother for his bravery. He was diagnosed with Lymphona (cancer of the lymph system) in April last year, and had a bone marrow transplant in November. He was nominated for remaining cheerful and never complaining or feeling sorry for himself.

His grandmother Shirley Smith said: "Alex has been in isolation for six months and had only just come home this week. He was really thrilled to hear he'd won and I think he really deserves it."

Pictured is assistant manager of Riva Bingo, David Spencer, with Children of Courage winners -- and Blackburn Rovers fans -- Craig Walsh, right, and Alex Charnley before their trip to Ewood Park to watch the Blackburn v Charlton match.