IDENTICAL twins Luke and Jamie Waggott are sharing a special 'child hero' award after raising funds for allergy sufferers.

The eight-year-olds, who live in Didcot, were praised for their efforts by Allergy UK.

While Jamie is allergic to nuts, citrus fruit and pectin, Luke has no known allergies, despite sharing his brother’s DNA.

But he has been just as keen to join in fundraising efforts for allergy charities and increase awareness of the issue.

Aged six, Jamie wrote and illustrated a book on allergy awareness and starred in his own video.

And in December the twins met Wantage MP Ed Vaizey at the National Allergy Strategy Group in the Commons.

Mum Karen Waggott, who works as a graphic designer and lives with husband Craig and the twins, said: "The boys are good at sharing so they will be happy to jave the award between them.

"Jamie has the allergy but Luke is also affected because we have to take it into account for family meals and trips out to restaurants.

"We don't keep jam in the house or Jammie Dodgers because it's not worth the risk.

"Luke has also worked hard to raise money for allergy charities so it's only right that he should share the award.

"The boys are both keen to help others while having as much fun as possible. I am so impressed by what they have achieved."

Jamie suffered an anaphylactic shock in January after drinking yoghurt containing pectin, so the brothers decided to create their own Star Wars-themed video.

The film tells people about adrenaline auto-injectors and the dangers of cross-contamination and sharing food with those who live with an allergy.

The twins received their Child Hero award at a ceremony held by Allergy UK in London’s Connaught Rooms last week.

Jamie said: "I think allergy awareness is very important."

Luke added: "I met some very nice people in London. It was a big surprise when we got the award."

The award was one of six made by the leading national allergy charity in its Allergy Hero Awards programme to mark the organisation’s 25th anniversary.

It recognised "children or teenagers with the courage and commitment to help the lives of allergy sufferers".

Over the last 25 years Allergy UK has provided information and advice to the one in three people living with allergies and worked with healthcare professionals to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Charity CEO Carla Jones said: "There was no better way to celebrate our 25th anniversary than to publicly recognise those who have helped people whose lives have been affected by allergy, from healthcare professionals to people like Jamie and Luke.

"They are two very young people whose own experiences of allergy have inspired them to help others."