CHILD of Achievement winner Jenny Hill of Bacup is looking forward to visiting Buckingham Palace.

Jenny, 15, who had a leg amputated, has been chosen as one of ten ambassadors to represent the charity at the Variety Club International Convention Lifeline lunch at the Hilton Hotel, London, on May 8.

Before the lunch they will visit Buckingham Palace to present a bouquet of roses and a copy of a book: "The Sentiments of Children" which includes a message from Jenny which reads: "In my experience of life I don't think I could have achieved half of what I've done without my friends around me.

"I gain strength and confidence from being one of a crowd. If they can treat me as an equal words can't express how much that means to me."

The lunch will be attended by 600 delegates from around the world. It is hoped an auction for the book will raise thousands of pounds for Lifeline to help children in this country and abroad.

Jenny, who attends Alder Grange High School, Rawtenstall, was nominated for the Child of Achievement Award, which she received from former Prime Minister John Major, by her older sister Janine.

Jenny had her right leg amputated above the hip when she was a baby.

Janine said her sister had now grown to an age where coping with a leather harness round her waist to hold an artificial leg in place could cause her to be depressed. Yet she had faced each stage of her life with a positive attitude, shunning any cruel taunts of other youngsters with wit and humour.

Jenny has broken more false limbs than any other patient at the Royal Preston Hospital because she refuses to turn down a challenge and has taken part in weightlifting, trampolining, rock climbing, bowling and swimming.

Her big ambition now is to take part in the Para-Olympics.

But before then she has her big date in London at the lunch jointly hosted by Child of Achievement and C & A stores.

Jenny will first be officially appointed as an ambassador at a ceremony at the C&A store in Bolton on Friday when she will be presented with a certificate and commemorative pin to add to her ambassador medal.

Jenny is pictured with her sister, Janine.