These children are our real Champions

Proud parents watched as this year’s Champion Children picked up awards at the annual Express event at the Theatre Royal Wakefield.

BBC Look North presenter Clare Frisby told each child’s moving story before presenting the little champions with their awards and goodie bags.

The children also got to meet Cinderella and Prince Edward in person before they performed their pantomime.

Ms Frisby said: “We are celebrating some truly inspirational children who have shown courage, bravery, gratefulness and kindness way beyond their years.

“It’s an important day and mums and dads are right to be incredibly proud.”

And the event also gave parents an opportunity to express admiration for their children on stage.

Among the winners were Evie Hobbs, nine, of South Elmsall, who hosted a trip for elderly residents at a nursing home, and Niamh Allen, six, of South Elmsall, who helps to look after her sister Amelia who has Downs Syndrome.

The audience was also told the story of two-year-old Kian Curtis-Morrell, of South Kirkby, who faces a daily battle against cystic fibrosis but doesn’t let it dampen his spirit.