AN eight-year-old Skipton girl who has battled against a brain tumour was described as the "first among equals" when she was crowned the Rotary Child of Courage this week.

Lucy Moore, who attends Water Street School, was rewarded not only for her brave fight against the tumour, which was diagnosed in 1996, but also for her fundraising work in aid of children's cancer charity Candlelighters.

In the nomination letter mum Bridget praised her daughter's attitude: "Lucy has been an example to us all. She has remained cheerful and positive throughout an horrendous ordeal, and for that reason Lucy is an exceptional child of courage."

Lucy's father, Detective Inspector Mick Moore, watched the ceremony with her Aunt Wendy who had flown in especially from Seattle in the USA.

He said: "Me and her mum are very proud of her. She was chuffed with her award, and we hope all other children that go through similar horrendous ordeals come out of it as well as Lucy."

Lucy received a certificate and £100 to spend on herself from the Skipton and Craven Rotary Club.

This is the second time the club has run the event, which is held in memory of past president David Clough - former headmaster of Glusburn Primary School - who died two years ago. Members felt that recognising children who had shown bravery in difficult circumstances would be a good way to commemorate his life.

Six other children were recognised as Children of Courage at the ceremony at Skipton Golf Club. They were presented with a certificate and £25 by the late Mr Clough's wife Pam.

Smith Gamson-Brown, seven, a pupil at Christ Church School, Skipton, was rewarded for his fight against an immunodeficiency disease which prevents his body producing antibodies to fight off infection. Smith and mum Anita travel to Leeds every three weeks for an infusion of antibodies and each year the pair raise money on Jeans for Genes Day which helps fund research into genetic disorders. Smith has also been named player of the season for Skipton Rugby Club's under 7s team.

Ten-year-old Richard Armstrong, of Hetton, was rewarded for his long battle against leukaemia. He was diagnosed with the disease when he was just two and thought he had beaten it after the first course of treatment. It was discovered recently that the cancer had returned and Richard has had to undergo further treatment. His mum Ann said he had not let it get him down, however, and he was now enjoying swimming, football and cricket. Last week he completed a fun run.

Dale Beresford, six, a pupil at Hellifield Primary School was nominated by headteacher John Lassey. Dale has suffered from verbal and developmental dispraxia, a speech disorder, since birth. Mr Lassey said a lot of people both at school and at home had worked hard to help Dale and teach him sign language. He had remained a happy and positive child throughout it all.

Jack and Tom Muldoon, seven, and 10, respectively were recognised for the courage they both showed in getting on with their lives after tragic family difficulties.

Finally, David Schofield, 10, of Richard Thornton Primary School, Burton-in-Lonsdale, was rewarded for overcoming a long illness. He is now recovered and getting on with his life.