A five-year-old boy who overcame open heart surgery - only to be diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia - has won a top children's award for bravery.

Jack Smith, of Westbourne Close, in Otley, was 18 months old when he underwent open heart surgery after being born with a hole in the heart.

The brave youngster pulled through, but just over two years later he was diagnosed with the leukaemia. Now Jack, who goes to Westgate Infant School, is halfway through a two-year treatment including chemotherapy and constant blood transfusions.

Jack was presented with his Millennium Child of Achievement Award on Sunday by former Prime Minister John Major and Conservative leader William Hague at a glittering ceremony at London's Hilton Hotel.

His mum, Sue Smith, said: "Jack has had three lots of chemotherapy and he starts another later this week. He does cope with it very well and the drugs and the constant transfusions. He does get angry but he bounces back and he is not down for long."

Jack was also given a yearbook and a £1,000 Airtours holiday with £250 spending money.

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