AN AWARD scheme recognising the courage of children and young people who have faced cancer is being launched today in Yorkshire.

Around 150 children in the region are diagnosed with the disease every year in the Yorkshire and Humber region. 

Nominations for the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, are now open and families are being called on to nominate young cancer patients and survivors in the run-up to Christmas.

The Star Awards are open to all children under 18 who live in the UK and have been treated for the disease within the past five years.

There is no judging panel, because Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition.

Everyone nominated receives a trophy, a £50 TK Maxx gift card, a t-shirt and a certificate signed by a host of famous faces. Siblings are also awarded a certificate.

Children’s TV presenter Phil Gallagher, from Mister Maker, said: “The strength these young people show when faced with a cancer diagnosis is remarkable.

"Their courage and resilience needs to be honoured, and the Star Awards are such a lovely way of doing that and showing them how special they are.”