Children battling cancer in Oxfordshire are to have their courage recognised by a host of stars, including new Formula 1 motor racing world champion Lewis Hamilton.

He is just one of the celebrities giving their backing to this year’s Cancer Research UK Little Stars Awards which highlight the bravery of child cancer victims.

Last year’s awards recognised children including Jake Spicer from Greater Leys. Helen Johnstone, from Cancer Research UK, said: “The Little Star Awards are now in their sixth year and allow us to recognise the unique challenges faced by youngsters diagnosed with cancer and salute their courage.

“We want to reward as many of these children as possible in the run-up to Christmas, so we need their friends and families to tell us about them.”

Unlike other children’s awards, there is no judging panel for Little Stars, because Cancer Research UK believe each and every child who confronts cancer is extra-special.

All recipients receive a certificate signed by a host of stars from the worlds of TV, music and sport, including Mr Hamilton and Dr Who star David Tennant.

They also get a chrome trophy and a £100 TK Maxx voucher to spend on toys, books or fashion.

Jake, now 14, has been battling cancer for five years and recently had a large brain tumour removed.

His mum Leslie, 43, said: “Jake was thrilled to learn he was being presented with a Little Star Award. He got it in front of all his friends at St Gregory the Great School and it was a fabulous surprise for him.”

“Children who go through cancer put up with so much.

“It’s fabulous for their bravery to be rewarded in this way. I would urge anyone who knows such a child to nominate them – it’s a real boost and Jake is still very proud of his award, which stands in a cabinet in our house.”

Cancer is the most common cause of death from illness in children aged between one and 14. Each year, about 1,400 children in the UK are diagnosed with the disease, that is one in every 500.

Other celebrities supporting the Little Star Awards this year include X-Factor winner Leona Lewis, Arsenal footballers Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy, Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson and children’s TV presenter Zoe Salmon.

To nominate a Little Star, email littlestar@cancer.org.uk or see the charity’s special webpage, cancerresearchuk.org/littlestar The awards are open to all under-17s who have cancer or have been treated for the disease in the last five years.