Lydia Brown, from Matlock Bath, became ill during her first year at infants school and has undergone six years of treatment, including kidney dialysis before having a transplant in August.

In recognition of her bravery, she was presented with a Derbyshire Young Achievers award at a glitzy ceremony held at Highfields School in Matlock.

Mum Wray-Emma Jones said: "She has coped with a lot but it has been a struggle. She is a very bouncy, resilient child."

Headteacher Amanda Mee, of Matlock Bath Holy Trinity Primary School,
who nominated Lydia for the award, said despite missing school, suffering a lot of pain and having to use a wheelchair, Lydia was always full of enthusiasm and brought a sense of humour to her class.

She added: "She has been through a very tough time and has missed a lot of school but she is just a bubbly, amazing little girl. She is a great friend and everyone just loves her."

Lydia was among 75 inspirational youngsters who have been celebrated for their outstanding achievements, courage and commitment at the annual event.

Winners also included seven-year-old Liam Brown, from Matlock, who has cystic fibrosis. The Wirksworth Junior School pupil has been in and out of hospital all his life and endured numerous operations but teacher Joanne Whiteley said Liam never moaned about his condition.

She added: "He is a very enthusiastic lively little boy.

"He was excited about winning the award and walked in to school with it raised above his head. He is very proud."

Each young person was nominated because of their bravery, kindness, commitment, community work and talents.

Tom Barker, 17, was presented with his award for outstanding contributions in music.

The sixth former at Lady Manners School in Bakewell is a member of the school brass band, senior orchestra, jazz orchestra and senior choir.

Tom has a distinction grade eight piano, grade six trumpet and has performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

He has also performed in charity concerts and received international acclaim.

Grandma Betty Foster said: "We are all tremendously proud of him. He has always been very much involved with music and was really thrilled to get this."

Other Dales winners included Sarah Howarth, of Matlock, who has cystic fibrosis and is currently on the waiting list for a lung transplant.

The 14-year-old was nominated by Michael Basford, head of year ten at Highfields School, for her courage and commitment while dealing with health problems.

Patrick Smart, 14, from Tansley, was honoured for his success in competitive cycling. He intends to compete in the Tour De France, the 2016 Olympics and to take the Yellow Jersey in the Prologue Time Trail.

Josh Eaton, 15, of Tansley, was nominated by Highfields teacher Gill Donaldson for being a shining example and role model to other pupils.

Josh has learning difficulties and Duane's Syndrome, which affects his sight but is doing well at school.

Alison Gartside, of Bakewell, was nominated by Tim Sizer, head of sixth form at Lady Manners School, for her sporting achievements.

Alison, 17, is a black belt first Dan in taekwondo and has represented Great Britain in Puerto Rico and Ireland.


Derbyshire Young Achiever 2009

Groups:
Endcraze rock band – St Thomas More School, Buxton

Michael Featherstone - Buxton, Ellie Mole - Buxton, Conor Muir-
Cochrane – High Peak

Sebastian Rimmer - Glossop, Ronan Williams - Buxton

Individuals:
Lauren Armstrong Ashbourne
Isobel Ashley - Chesterfield
Jake Astill - Chesterfield
Tom Barker - Darley Dale
Stacey Bedford - Creswell
Cameron Ball - South Normanton
Madison Bell - Belper
Scott Boyes - Chesterfield
Beth Brown - High Peak
Liam Brown - Matlock
Lydia Brown - Matlock Bath
Daniel Bryan - Ilkeston
Eleanor Burnett - Ilkeston
Jayden Budworth - Chesterfield
Katie Byres - Glossop
Neil Chikono - Hyde
Katie Clamp - Swadlincote
Joshua Clark - Ripley
Kayleigh Clark - New Mills
Rachel Clark - New Mills
David Cowan - Taddington
Emily Dearden - Ashbourne
Josh Eaton - Matlock
Matthew Else - Ripley
Maisie Emsell - Dronfield
Jack Garret - Ilkeston
Alison Gartside – Bakewell
Laura-Rose Gee - Derby
Lucy Green - Bolsover
Joe Greenland - Nottingham
Thomas Greig - Chesterfield
Jack Griffiths - Bolsover
Emily Hall - South Normanton
Imogen Hall - Ashbourne
Natalie Hall - Chesterfield
Eric Ham - Glossop
Gareth Hand - Worksop
Chloe Harrison - Ilkeston
Christopher Hempenstall - Chesterfield
Sarah Howarth - Matlock
Georgia Jefferies - Chesterfield
Aidan Knight - Swadlincote
Fern Ironmonger - Nottingham
Hannah Isaacs - West Hallam
Ryan Leighton - Newton
Amy Lindsay - Bolsover
Jack Massey - Chapel-En-Le-Frith
Corey Mead - Chesterfield
Sharnee Molloy - Swadlincote
Olivia Murphy - Belper
Bryn Moorhouse - Hope Valley
Sophia Nasser - Dronfield
Fern Nicholls - Belper
Jack Pantall - Swadlincote
Nathan Pentin - Chesterfield
Regan Reddish - Chesterfield
Natalia Rea - Warsop
Dylan Rozee - Dronfield
Paige Roberts - Langley Mill
Christopher Rushworth - High Peak
Poppy-Mai Scollick - Chesterfield
Jack Shephard - Dronfield
Bradley Simmonds - Ashbourne
Patrick Smart - Matlock
Thomas Taylor - Derby
Daniel Vernon - Chesterfield
Deven Walsh - Chesterfield
Georgia Wharton - Chesterfield