A TRIP to Buckingham Palace and a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair is a treat that most of us can only dream about.

But for Preston schoolgirl Fiona Rowley the dream is about to become a reality as she prepares to be whisked off to receive a special award.

Fiona, 10, from School Lane, Inskip, is one of ten children to win a Charity Ambassador award after entering a book writing contest organised by high street retailer C&A.

Her caring 'Sentiments of Children' written piece, outlining why it is important to help other children, touched the hearts of the award judges who considered it to be the cream of the crop.

Since she was born the youngster has battled with the effects of a rare condition involving fluid on the brain and overcome tough hurdles to beat various related ailments. And, despite having severe learning difficulties, Fiona has succeeded in mainstream education at Copp CE School, in Great Eccleston.

It was the little girl's perseverance to achieve in school that inspired support teacher Dorothy Jones, to nominate her for the unique award.

Now, in addition to a Child of Achievement award, Fiona will be officially appointed an ambassador to represent the organisation at the Variety Club International Convention Lifeline Lunch next month.

Prior to the lunch she will be taken on a special visit to Buckingham Palace, meet Prime Minister Tony Blair and be given a leather bound book containing her winning entry. She will also receive a medal, bouquet of roses and commemorative pin.

Mother Babs said: "She is a very happy little girl with a lots of energy and nothing seems to faze her at all."