A CEREMONY recognising the bravery of 26 of the North-East’s most inspirational youngsters has been held today (Thursday, November 27).

Children from across the region attended the annual Brave Hearts charity event in their honour at St James' Park in Newcastle.

Each child receives a crystal plinth and a gift of their choice, in recognition of the courage and strength they have shown in battling illness or adversity.

Ten-year-old Grace Merrington, of Crook, County Durham, who has shown incredible resilience for the way she bounced back after suffering brain damage following a heart attack, received a smart television along with her award.

Her dad Ian said: “This award is massive for us. The journey we have been on since March has been incredible. She has kept the family together because she has been amazing. The first thing she did when she came out of an induced coma was giggle. Her positivity has been fantastic.”

Twelve-year-old Jake Davison, from Consett, who has undergone several operations since suffering a brain haemorrhage, has gone on to raise thousands of pounds for the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle. He was presented with an iPhone 5.

His mother, Jayne Davison, said: “Jake still doesn’t know if he will need further surgery. He is living in fear every day, but he does not let it stop him living his life.”

The children, who came from various locations, from Amble down to York, and from the east coast across to Cockermouth and Penrith in Cumbria, arrived at the stadium in a string of limousines with friends and family.

The awards were presented by BBC Look North's Carol Malia, and by the North-East’s gold medal winning Paralympian athlete, Josef Craig, who overcame his own battle with cerebral palsy to reach the top of his chosen sport of swimming.

Ms Malia, who presented the awards, said: “The Brave Hearts award ceremony is one of the highlights of my year and many families too.

“This awards day stays with me for the sheer emotion and determination we see on the day, not just from the children, but from their parents and siblings.

“I know the trustees work very hard to make sure the children get the gifts they want and a day to remember.

“It is, however, absolutely devastating when a child, who hoped to be there, has passed away. Indeed, many of these kids have left hospital for the day just to pick up their award and be deservedly recognised for their bravery.”

The Brave Hearts winners were: Harneesh Chahal, 15, of Bedlington; Leah Cullen, 14, of Blyth; Nathan Shorey, six, of Ashington; Shannon Jones, 12, of Darlington; Grace Merrington, ten, of Crook; Brandon Dightam, five, of Newton Aycliffe; Maddie Iles, seven, from Burnopfield; Matthew Robinson, 12, Blaydon; Thomas Forster, nine, of Stockton; Michael Walls, 16, of Stockton; Rebecca Henderson, eight, of Billingham; Austin Sweeney, six, of Whitley Bay; Elanor Wilson, 14, of Wallsend; Ben Charlton, 11, of Rowlands Gill; Lewis Allan, 14, of Sunderland; Ruby Hodgson, five, Redcar; William Harland, 11, of Saltburn; Samantha Stobbart, 11, of Chester-le-Street; Jake Davison, 12, of Consett; Neve Beattie, six of Stanley; Mary Dafter, ten, of Benwell; George Chambers, eight, of Appleby; Cleo Rimmer, 12, of Egremont; Nathan Curry, 16, of Berwick and Carrigan Clark, 15, of Walker.

For more information about the charity log on to www.brave-hearts.com