BRAVE nine-year-old Lucy Tomlinson has won a Child of Achievement award for her courage.

Lucy, of St Helens Road in Leigh, was nominated for the prestigious national prize by her headteacher at Christ Church Junior School, Pennington.

The determined youngster has endured many major operations to help the condition she has been dealing with for most of her life.

Lucy's dad Peter is a policeman and has seen a lot of bravery in his life but none to match that of his youngest daughter: "Lucy is very brave. She has been through so much but we never hear a grumble or a word of complaint. She is always smiling."

Specially selected

Lucy was one of 150 children specially selected from all over the UK to receive the award, which is given to children who help others in their everyday tasks or who have overcome a personal disability or illness. The winners were presented with their prizes on Sunday at a glitzy London ceremony.

Accompanied by her mum and dad -- Sharon and Peter -- and her four older sisters, Lucy travelled to London for the most special day of her life.

The family, who had to hire a mini-bus to transport the seven of them, made the trip a once in a lifetime experience. They toured London, went to see the musical Fame and experienced the London Eye before attending The London Hilton for the presentation.

Celebrities including Harry Potter author JK Rowling, Gaby Roslin, The Red Arrows, Bob Holness and Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher were among those presenting the awards.

After receiving the prize the family attended a celebration party where they had the chance to mingle with the stars and other families.

For Lucy, aside from collecting her award, the highlight was meeting her favourite author and having her Harry Potter book personally signed.

She said: "When I found out about the award I was shocked and happy. I felt like a star for the day."

Lucy's photograph and details are now featured among the other winners in a commemorative book, which describes her as "a great inspiration to others".

Peter said: "We had a fantastic weekend. It was a very special day and we are so proud of Lucy. It was wonderful to see her so happy. But there was also a lot of sadness. Some of the awards were posthumous as some children had died after being nominated, but before the presentation."

In addition to the award the Tomlinsons received a family holiday courtesy of Airtours. They are now deciding where to go.

Sharon said: "It was a fantastic surprise. We are planning to go somewhere hot like the Canaries, but we have to go soon as I'm expecting our sixth baby in summer."