THE inner strength of courageous children from across the North-East has been recognised at an event in their honour.

The Brave Hearts of the North East Awards ceremony was hosted by BBC television presenter Carol Malia.

Twenty-three young people were given awards yesterday, at St James’ Park, Newcastle, and winners were treated to buffet lunch and a tour of the football ground.

Thirteen-year-old Lyndon Longhorn, from Crook, County Durham, was among them and he received computer gaming console and games.

He has shown incredible spirit and is determined to lead a happy life, despite having his legs amputated along with part of his right arm after contracting meningitis when he was nine months old.

Lyndon said: “It is really exciting to be at the awards and it is great to have been nominated.”

Lyndon, who goes to King James Community Arts College, in Bishop Auckland, plays in goal when playing football with friends and has just started to go swimming.

His mother, Tammy Shevels, 30, said: “He copes very well and does not let anything stop him.

“Nothing is a problem for him – he always finds a way of adapting.

“I am overwhelmed that he has won this award because we did not expect it.

“He was so excited when I told him that he could not sleep. He just sat on his bed laughing to himself.”

Leukaemia sufferers Jennifer Davies, 16, from Sherburn, and five-year-old Ella Moran, from Chester-le- Street, were also among the winners.

Brave Hearts of the North East is a small charity run by a group of volunteers based near Hexham, Northumberland.

It raises money throughout the year to treat the most inspirational youngsters to a special prize and a crystal pyramid award.

Organiser Jim Knight said: “Awards are made to children who have shown incredible courage battling to overcome illness, handicap, or other adversities.

“All have received the holiday of a lifetime, the toy or computer of their dreams for example, but it is perhaps the Brave Hearts Crystal, recognising they are indeed special children, which they value most.

“One of the striking features of all the children Brave Hearts has helped, is the fact that each of them sees nothing remarkable about their struggle to overcome adversity.”

Award winners

Emily Caine, Maryport

Erin Askew, Chopwell

Jennifer Davies, Sherburn

Aaron Beach, Hartlepool

Bradley Downes, Hartlepool

Georgia Cairns, Wallsend

Shane Nickerson, Newcastle

Jonathan Kelly, Sunderland

Steven Huggon, Brampton

Jade Pinkerton, Gateshead

Sarah Foster, Brampton

Steven Todd, Redcar

Ella Moran, Chester-le-St

Nathan Patrick, Kenton

Jessica Spooner, Durham

Adam Williamson, Alnwick

Demi Anderson, Birtley

Abigail Murray, North Shields

James Gregory, Stockton

Lyndon Longhorn, Crook

Sam Rice, Blyth

Corey Duncan, Thornaby

Rebecca Hooper, Cramlington