A brother and sister have won a national Royal Mail competition after nominating their mother for a "Nobel Prize".

Alexandra and James Allsop read about the contest and decided that their mum, Carol, was worthy of a prize.

Entries were sought to help celebrate the Nobel Prize by giving members of the public the chance to nominate their own winners.

Alexandra, nine, and James, seven, wrote praising their mum, a 47-year-old management consultant, for her bravery in battling against illness and her work for charity.

Alexandra, who attends Leafield Primary School with her brother, said: "Two years ago we thought mum might die but now she has recovered.

"She is a helping and caring person -- nothing is too much trouble. We're both very proud of her."

James added: "Mum is such a kind, beautiful person. She's always there for me and even when she's tired and ill I like it that she gives our clothes and toys to charity. She's very funny and I love her to pieces."

Mrs Allsop, who has another daughter Victoria, 14, lives at Wychwood Court, Ascott-under-Wychwood, with her husband Martin, 49. She said: "It was very touching that they entered."

The children have received a computer for their efforts.

Mrs Allsop, who had been diagnosed with a liver condition and stomach ulcers and spent time in intensive care as doctors fought to ease her pain, raises funds for a special care baby unit in Sutton Coldfield.

The children help with the fund- raising by collecting change. Greg McNeil, a spokesman for Royal Mail said: "Carol's obviously the kind of strong person that the Nobel Prizes seek to recognise."