A FORMER health supremo today paid tribute to the children of courage who filled him with admiration during his 19 years in the hot seat.

As part of our Pride of East Lancashire Campaign we are searching for the area's most courageous child. The winner of the Child of Courage award will be presented with their award in a glittering awards ceremony in November. They will also receive a £2,000 holiday and £1,000 cash.

Ian Woolley was chairman of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Care Trust for 19 years before he retired earlier this year.

He said: "I think that it's wonderful that brave children should be recognised in this way. There are some wonderful, brave children about who you never hear anything about and this is a chance to show how much we admire them.

"I am a very lucky father as all my children have enjoyed good health but I know many parents who have not been so lucky and have had to care for children who have been very poorly and have not been able to enjoy life. It is so very sad and we have a special responsibility to help them as best we can.

"Children who are ill need a lot of help and if they get good help from nurses, doctors and parents they can face almost anything.

"Children don't like being ill and they like to get better quickly so they usually are very good patients and help themselves.

"I think children's ability to accept their illness varies a lot. Some who have been ill for many years just refuse to accept it and get on with life as best they can.

"Others need a lot of help to face up to what is happening if they are suddenly seriously ill. I think we can learn from brave people however old they are but it is especially good to see bravery in young people."

The Child of Courage Award is one of 11 accolades up for grabs as part of our Pride of East Lancashire Campaign which aims to highlight the achievements of the area's unsung heroes.

To nominate for any award log onto www.thisislancashire.

co.uk or complete a nomination coupon.