THOUGH their tender years make them one of society's most vulnerable groups, children so often surprise and humble us with how brave and resilient they themselves can be.

Be when they are faced by life's hard knocks, personal tragedy or dreadful illness, there are so many occasions when their courage, pluck and unselfishness shine through.

There are those who, in the face of loss of a mother or father or because of divorce, become the stand-in parent, caring for their younger brothers and sisters in so many ways. There are others who, when sickness strikes, become the rock on which a stricken lone parent may depend for so many needs.

And we have all seen astonishing instances of children who still manage to smile even though they suffer through long illness and gruelling medical treatment.

There are the children, too, who have shown amazing bravery when putting themselves in danger to rescue and even save the lives of others.

But, too often, such heroism and mettle goes unrecognised or gets little more than a cursory nod.

That's why our Pride of East Lancashire awards has the special category that we officially launch tonight -- the accolade for Child of Courage -- so that our young heroes get the credit and recognition they deserve.

Please tell us who they are and join us in rewarding their amazing deeds.