A CANCER campaigner has won praise from his MP for his charitable efforts and he's not yet 13!

Darwen MP Janet Anderson has thanked schoolboy Thomas Wilkinson for his commitment to the cause despite only being 12-years-old.

For the youngster not only supported the MP's vote to ban smoking in workplaces but he will also be one of the youngest runners in a five kilometre charity race for cancer.

Thomas, who lives in the Priory Drive area of Darwen, got involved in cancer research following the death of his grandad, Edwin Jacks.

Mr Jacks, from Lancaster, died of cancer of the gullet at the age of 59.

Once Thomas reached an age where he understood about cancer, he decided to do something to try to help.

He emailed Mrs Anderson to thank her for representing his view in the vote that all workplaces should be made smoke free.

He said: "My views on public smoking are why should we have to smoke just because they do?

"I am only 12 years old but I think we should help cancer research. I feel very strongly about public smoking and cancer research and to show my support I am doing the Run for Moore which helps cancer research."

His views were praised by the MP. She said: "It is encouraging for politicians to know that young people like Thomas take a keen interest in politics and current affairs. I wish him well in the Run for Moore."

Thomas, who attends St Wilfrid's High School and Technology College, Blackburn, will be doing the run in Heaton Park, Manchester, on June 4 with his father Neil, a police inspector, and his 12-year-old friend Tobias Wilson, from Burnley.

The race aims to raise cash for research into bowel cancer, from which former England footballer Bobby Moore died in 1993.