A NINE-year-old girl has been recognised by her school for her courage in coping with life while both her parents served in Iraq.

Charis Brown was awarded the headmaster's prize at Barnard Castle Preparatory School's annual speech day for showing strength beyond her years.

Her parents, Corporal Samantha Brown and Sergeant Mark Brown, both serve in the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancasters and are stationed at Catterick Garrison. They were posted to Basra, where the regiment lost nine soldiers.

Headteacher Ted Haslam said: "The Browns were away for seven months and what that separation must have been like for the children can only be imagined. Charis bore it with strength and fortitude beyond her years."

Sgt Brown said: "Sometimes, it is good to be away together because you know what the other one is going through. Other times, it is bad to be away together, because you know what the other one is going through.

"The school has been fantastic and has always bent over backwards for us."

Special guest and speaker at the event was director of Bowes Museum Adrian Jenkins, who presented all the children with their prizes. Mr Haslam said it had been another good school year, with key stage 1 and 2 results among the best they had achieved. He also said the school was also enjoying the highest number of pupils and was looking forward to improving facilities further over the summer.

Prizewinners

Day Pupil Salver, Sam Everall; Boarding Cup, Kimberly Brolly; Citizenship Trophy, Juliet O'Brien; Endeavour Plate, Claire Wilkinson; Director of Studies Prize, Hans Kukreja; Sportsmanship Shield, Nick Gilbertson; Speech and Drama Cup, Kimberly Brolly; Music Cup, Alexander Bone; Wood Cup for Sport, William Grundy; Grant Cup for Sport, Tamsin Brown; Pre Prep Courtesy Award, Alex Thompson.