This year, seven of the 75 youngsters honoured were from Erewash.
Daniel Bryan, Scott Boyes, Eleanor Burnett, Jack Garrett, Chloe Harrison and Hannah Isaacs, all from Ilkeston, and Joe Greenland from Long Eaton have received top honours.

AMY HIRST tells their moving stories.

Courageous Daniel battles against the odds

DANIEL Bryan, eight, started getting headaches a couple of weeks after his dad had died from bowel cancer.

His mum, Karen, initially thought his headaches were linked to Daniel losing his dad, who she was separated from, but after six months doctors found he had a tumour behind his eyes.

Daniel, of Burncroft, West Hallam, was six at the time. He has since undergone 30 sessions of radiotherapy and two operations, but the tumour cannot be completely removed because of its position and size.

Karen said: "At his worst stage he couldn't walk or talk, he wouldn't eat anything and was vomiting all the time."

Daniel is now back at school and enjoying activities like swimming and learning to play instruments.

Despite the gruelling treatment, there is still a chance the tumour could grow back.

His mum, Karen, 37, said: "I try not to think about it too much.

"As he gets older it should get better and they might be able to remove it properly one day, which would be a relief."

Daniel has recently returned to classes at Scargill Primary School, West Hallam.

His headteacher Norma Ross was so proud of his courage that she nominated him for a Young Achievers Award, handed out by Derbyshire County Council.

She said: "Daniel's had a really hard time and missed quite a lot of school but now that he's back we're delighted.

"I felt he really deserved it and I'm really glad he won."

Daniel's sister Millie, nine, has been a support to both her brother and mum throughout.

Karen said:"Millie's been brilliant for both of us.

"The two of them are so close, she's been a massive support. My friends and family have all been a great help as well.

"I couldn't do it without them."

Mrs Ross said Daniel is enjoying being back at school and Karen says his mischevious character is back.

She said: "After Daniel started to feel better, he asked me to ring the newspaper so he could tell his story.

"He has a list of things he wants to achieve and as soon as he gets home from school he wants to get started on something. He really is living each day. It's lovely to see."


Kind-hearted Ellie celebrates her all-clear

Ellie Burnett was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in July this year. Chemotherapy wiped out Ellie's immune system leaving her exhausted and unable to return to school.

Ellie, 12, of Queen's Drive, Ilkeston, has recently been given the all-clear and travelled to Lapland to celebrate on a trip organised by children's charity Wish Upon A Star.

Her mum Jo said: "She's done so, so well, it's been really hard for her.

"She really has been amazing. I've actually nominated her for another award."

Her tutor at Kirk Hallam Community School, Adele Lancashire, nominated her for the Young Achievers award, saying she was a kind-hearted and caring girl.

Adele said: "She deserves to win an award for the bravery and tremendous strength and courage she has shown throughout her ordeal."


Proud parent praises Scott

Scott Boyes' mum, Heather, nominated the six-year-old Scargill School pupil from Marlow Crescent, West Hallam, after he was diagnosed with autism.

She said: "We're really proud of him and he's proud of himself too. When he manages to achieve something his smile says it all."

Scott's dad, Andrew, said: "The awards night was really showbiz. There was lots for the children to do and we had a great time."