COURAGEOUS children from across the North-East have been honoured during a special ceremony.

Twenty-four deserving youngsters were collected from their homes by limousine and whisked to the Brave Hearts awards in Newcastle on Thursday.

They included eight-year-old Luke Bell, from Darlington, who has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma and is undergoing gruelling treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Luke, who goes to Holy Family Primary School, spent the afternoon at St James’ Park, at the ceremony presented by television presenter Carol Malia and Newcastle United legend Bobby Moncur.

His mother, Becky Bell, 36, said: “It has been unbelievably tough for him because he was such an active little boy and to find out he has got high risk neuroblastoma is just devastating.

“But he has not let anything stop him and just gets things done and he has got such an amazing attitude towards everything.

“He was really excited about going in the limousine. He said: ‘Celebrities get them, don’t they?’

“He is our little celebrity.

“These children are all so brave and determined.

“They have a fighting spirit that you can see. It is amazing.”

As well as a Brave Hearts crystal plinth, each child received a gift of their choice and Luke received a home computer.

Ben Gibbon-Crawford, from Stanley, has a genetic disorder that has resulted in many operations, constant medication and a lot of time in hospital.

The 15-year-old, who goes to St Bede’s School, in Lanchester, is unable to walk very far and must use a wheelchair.

He is keen on computer games and was presented with Playstation Four.

His mother, Gemma, 40, said: “He was absolutely ecstatic when he heard he was getting an award and has been really excited.

“As his mum, I think he is very deserving because of the things he has to overcome in everyday life. He never complains about anything, ever, at all and is such a loving little boy.”

Martha Rose Anderson, 12, from Shotley Bridge, developed a heart condition when only 11 months old and underwent a heart transplant six months later after which she suffered a number of complications.

She has suffered from breathing issues while growing up and had regular visits to hospital.

She has been able to take part in a number of sports and has now competed in two Transplant Games.

The Hexham Middle School pupil was given a new laptop computer as her prize and attended with her twin sister, Matilda, and mother, Gillian.

Mrs Anderson, 46, said: “She has dealt with everything with a smile on her face and nothing phases her.

“She is very strong and determined, and is open and frank about everything that has happened to her.”

Five-year-old Lyla O’Donovan, from Ushaw Moor, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016.

She underwent an operation in Bristol Children’s Hospital where she stayed for three months before being allowed home.

She was soon in hospital again with meningitis and then hydrocephalus which required another operation.

Treatment has continued at the RVI where she underwent another operation last December, but her family have said her she has taken everything in her stride.

The Bearpark Primary School pupil is now looking forward to spending time in her new hot tub.

Her dad, Paul, 33, said: “She is over the moon with it.

“She has been through a lot and she just cracks on with everything. She doesn’t whinge, she doesn’t moan. “She just gets on with it.”