RELATIVES and friends of young cancer patients from Wirral are invited to nominate them for a national award recognising their bravery.

The Cancer Research UK Little Star Awards are open to under 18s across the country who have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

Launched in partnership with clothing company TK Maxx, the awards are backed by a host of celebrities including singer Leona Lewis, American band Jonas Brothers and Olympic champion Usain Bolt.

Relatives and friends of young patients or survivors from Wirral are also urged to nominate.

Jane Bullock, regional spokeswoman from Cancer Research UK, said: "The Little Star Awards – now in their seventh year - allow us to recognise the unique challenges faced by youngsters diagnosed with cancer and salute their courage."

In the 1960s around a quarter of children with cancer survived, whereas today three quarters survive.

Recipients of the award will receive a £50 gift card, chrome trophy and a certificate signed by a host of stars from the worlds of TV, music and sport.

Susanne Given, managing director of TK Maxx UK and Ireland, said: "The Little Star Awards are a fantastic way of recognising the courage of children who have faced a diagnosis of cancer and the support they receive from families and friends.

"Thousands more people are alive today thanks to Cancer Research UK's work on children's cancer.

"We've supported the charity since 2004 and are very pleased to be supporting the Little Star Awards again this year."

Cancer is the most common cause of death from illness in children aged between one and 14.

Each year, about 1,500 children in the UK are diagnosed with the disease - that is around one in every 500, with 170 in the North West.

Cancer Research UK funds research of potential new treatments for children’s cancer via the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group at the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital.

Olympic champion Usain Bolt, who is among those backing the awards, said: "I am so proud to be involved with Cancer Research UK's Little Star Awards."

"Each and every one of the children who is nominated for the award is special.

"Their bravery in the face of this disease deserves to be recognised. They are the true champions."

To nominate, email littlestar@cancer.org.uk or click onto the related link below.