A BOY has won an award for his caring nature and courage.

Tom Shepherd, 10, won the Percival Whitley Primary Schools Award after a nomination by Cross Lane Primary School, Elland, where he is a pupil.

Tom, who lives at Ainley Top, was voted the outright winner after judges heard of the strength and support he has shown towards his twin, Russell, who suffers from a rare brain condition.

Russell has needed more than 45 major operations to drain fluid from his brain.

Award organisers said Tom had always been a comfort and support to both his brother and mum Linda Senior.

Tom is pictured receiving his award from Keith McDonald, chairman of the Percival Whitley Education Trust, and trustee Angela Wood.

Tom's mother is founder of the West Yorkshire Forget-Me-Not Trust, which wants to build a children's hospice in Kirklees or Calderdale. Tom's dedication to the fundraising events earned him a £25 reward and £250 for his school.

But head Duncan Gill gave the money to Tom, saying: "It was him that did everything."

(196/0/04)