Brave Ewan Barker is celebrating his first cancer-free Christmas after three years of gruelling treatment, giving his family the perfect present.

Ewan, nine, of Little Horton, Bradford, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June 2005, aged five.

Over the last three years he has endured chemotherapy drugs every month as well as two intensive courses of chemotherapy.

But despite his ordeal Ewan has continued to shine and now he has been given a Cancer Research UK Little Star Award.

The awards, held in partnership with TK Maxx, acknowledge the challenges faced by youngsters who confront cancer.

As well as a star-shaped trophy, Ewan has received a £100 voucher for TK Maxx, which he has decided to share with his little brother Nathan, six, and a certificate signed by celebrities including singer Leona Lewis, Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton and Dr Who actor David Tennant.

His mum, Jackie Barker, 36, said: “I nominated Ewan after seeing the awards in the Telegraph & Argus and thought it would be a great way of showing how proud I am of my little star.”

It was Jackie who first noticed something was wrong while giving Ewan a bath to get ready to go on a family holiday to Spain.

She noticed a lump on his neck and called the emergency doctor who advised her to go straight to Bradford Royal Infirmary. Luckily one of the doctors recognised Ewan’s symptoms and he was quickly diagnosed.

Jackie said: “Ewan is a truly fantastic little boy who has never once complained throughout any of his treatments. He had his last course of chemotherapy in August and is now in remission.

“This is the first Christmas in three years where he won’t need any medication and it is the best present I could have asked for.

“He has been so brave and he always has a smile on his face. He has been an inspiration to all the family.

“His grandparents have been a great support during his treatment, looking after Nathan when I had to be at the hospital with Ewan, and I would like to thank them for all they have done.”

Any child aged 17 or under who is battling cancer or has undergone treatment in the last five years can receive a Little Star Award. To nominate, visit cancerresearchuk.org/littlestar or call Paul Wadsworth on (0113) 263 6495.

e-mail: claire.lomax@telegraphandargus.co.uk