A brave youngster has been put forward for a national young hero award.

Martin Scott, 12, was born with kidney failure and had to have operations before and after he was born.

He had a successful kidney transplant in October 1994, but that has now started to fail which means he now has daily dialysis treatment at St James's Hospital, Leeds.

It has also meant that he will be unable to take part in this year's transplant games - due to take place later this year in Leeds.

Martin, of Cambridge Drive, Otley, will eventually have to undergo another transplant.

But the youngster, who goes to St Mary's School in Menston, has impressed doctors with his zest for life.

And they have nominated him for The National Kidney Fund's young hero awards.

The youngster was congratulated on his nomination by Emmerdale actress Verity Rushworth, television presenter Jez Edwards and Leeds Rhinos players.

He said: "It was brilliant, I'm a Rhinos fan as are loads of my mates, and they're going to be really jealous when I tell them.

"I also really like Emmerdale, but I've seen Verity before because she goes to my school."

Winners of the awards, which will be announced in July, will receive a cheque for £500 and a further £1,500 to give to a good cause of their choice.

Martin says if he wins he will spend the money on something useful while the money intended for good causes would be split between the National Kidney Fund and Cats Protection.

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