EIGHT youngsters, who have shown immense bravery in often tragic circumstances, flew the flag for the youth of Oxfordshire in a special ceremony last night.

They picked up prizes in the Oxford Mail Young Person of the Year Award, at County Hall, in New Road, Oxford.

Emma Thorne, 13, of Ardley Road, Middleton Stoney, near Bicester, and Lucy Chattoe, 15, of Woodstock Road, Witney, came top in their age groups.

John Breakspear, eight, of Valentia Close, Bletchingdon, won the award for exceptional bravery. All three received trophies and cheques for £250.

A special award went to Lauren and Ashton Mills, the ten-year-old twins who advertised for a new mum in the Oxford Mail after discovering their mum, Tobi, was suffering from cancer.

Chris Cowley, editor of the Oxford Mail, told the audience: "This is a great opportunity for us to show that there are some wonderful young people in Oxfordshire."

The awards, supported by BT and Oxfordshire County Council, were set up last year to reward young people for good work and consideration for others.

Emma Thorne has had 146 hospital appointments after she was born with two inches of her right jaw missing, but still raises cash for Stoke Mandeville Hospital children's department.

Mum Rosemary said: "She left me a note to say she was pleased she had been nominated. She has been through so much, this will be a real boost to her confidence."

Lucy Chattoe was nominated by her form tutor at Wood Green School, in Witney, Jennifer Creighton, after she raised £50,000 in six years for cancer charities following her aunt's death from breast cancer. Lucy said: "I could not believe it when I was told I had won. I think I will go out and treat myself."

John Breakspear was able to give his mum emotional support despite going through 12 operations in the past year to remedy a potentially fatal eye condition. Mum Tina said: "This is absolutely wonderful. It will encourage him for the next stage of operations."

The runners-up were Lauren Moore, 12, from Abingdon, who helps look after her arthritic mum, and Kelly Pickett, 16, of New Road, Long Hanborough, who helps an elderly neighbour, raises cash for the Red Cross and takes disabled people on holiday. Gemma James, 12, of Bulan Road, Headington, Oxford, came second in the exceptional bravery category after had corrective surgery to correct turned-in feet following bullying.

The awards were presented by Oxford Mail editor Chris Cowley, Tim Ferguson, consumer manager for BT, and David Buckle, former chairman of Oxfordshire County Council.

Current chairman, Brian Hook, told the audience: "Many of the stories we have heard have been heart warming and they have been heartbreaking as well."

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