A SIX-year-old Little Star has been given an award to honour his courage in the face of cancer.

Cobie Woods from St Helen Auckland near Bishop Auckland, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), a cancer of the white blood cells which help the body to fight infection, in February this year.

Around 75 children are diagnosed with AML each year in Britain.

Now Cobie has received a Little Star award from Cancer Research UK for the bravery he has shown throughout his treatment.

Cobie, who has also been shortlisted in The Northern Echo's Local Heroes Awards which take place this Friday, underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and fortnightly check-ups. He is now in remission and has monthly check-ups.

Cobie’s mum, Deborah Woods, 28, nominated him for the award. She said the last few months have been very difficult, but that Cobie has shown great bravery throughout.

She said: “He was over the moon when he received the award. “He has got it on display in his bedroom and he has taken it into school to show it at assembly.”

Cancer Research UK’s Little Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, acknowledge the unique challenges faced by youngsters who encounter cancer.

Cobie also received a £50 TK Maxx gift card and certificate signed by celebrities.

Paul Wadsworth, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the North East, said: “Cobie is a true Little Star who richly deserves this accolade.

“We hope to acknowledge the bravery of many more children across the region and are encouraging family and friends to get nominating now.”

In October, just eight months after being diagnosed, Cobie returned to playing football, scoring six goals in his first two games back for St Mary's Juniors under-sevens in Bishop Auckland.

Around 65 children are diagnosed with cancer in the North East each year, and cancer research UK is working in a variety of ways to combat it, ranging from investigating the causes of children’s cancers and finding new ways to diagnose it, to developing better and kinder treatments.

The Little Star Awards are open to all under-18s who have cancer or who have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

Siblings of Little Stars also receive a special certificate in recognition of the support they give.

To nominate a Little Star visit cruk.org/littlestar.