LIBBY Heal, of Bridgwater, was a winner in the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards for inspirational way she has dealt with caner.

This 13 year old was diagnosed with cancer last year, and wasn’t able to go to school for 8 months because of her treatment.

But in that time, she got her friends, family and fellow students at Robert Blake Science College involved in raising thousands of pounds for charity by selling bracelets.

She’s since appeared on the telly, in the Channel 4 programme “Sing for your Life” as part of the “Big C Choir” – and has become something of a local celebrity, having turned on the Christmas lights in Bridgwater town centre.

She was nominated by her school, who say she’s an inspiration to everyone in her community – and to anyone who’s seen her on TV!

The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards are run by the Newsquest Somerset, publisher of this website, Taunton Rotary Club and BBC Somerset and recognise the outstanding contribution of people under the age of 20 They were sponsored by Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Somerset County Cricket Club and Museum.

26 young people were honoured at the ceremony held on Friday, March 8, at Taunton Conference Centre, at Somerset College, which was given free for the evening.

Winners were presented with their certificates by six-time Paralympic medallist Deb Criddle, of Trull, near Taunton – and got the chance to try on the gold and two silvers she earned at London 2012 after the ceremony.