CHILDREN struggling to cope with war, incurable illnesses, and other adversities were all recognised at a ceremony in their honour.

The third Children of Courage awards ceremony was hosted by Kirklees Mayor Clr Mary Harkin in Huddersfield Town Hall .

The children had all been nominated by teachers, parents and friends.

The Mayor paid tribute to the children's courage before presenting certificates and badges.

She said: "Great emphasis is placed on academic and sporting achievements but life is made up of more than that.

"It is also important to accept that difficulties are faced in life and have to be overcome.

"Those nominated have not always had the opportunities of other children for various reasons, but have shown great courage in accepting this fact and facing life with a smile and bravery that equally deserves some recognition."

Music was provided by the Kirklees Music School and Batley Woodwind and there was a magic show.

A booklet will be published by Social Services of the award winners.

Among the young heroes were:

* Joshua Goldspink, eight, of Linthwaite, who suffers from the genetic blood condition haemophilia A.

His blood does not clot and he has to have three batches of treatment a week featuring injections into his chest. Despite this he enjoys playing football for Oakes Villa Nova and also trains three times a week, health permitting.

* Michael Reddington, 11, of Fartown, has cerebral palsy and is unable to walk, talk, or feed himself.

He was hospitalised for a month last December when his left hip-bone was removed and has been suffering from untold pain.

However he has a wonderful smile and a "wicked" sense of humour.

He enjoys watching wrestling, eating chocolate and working on a communications board at school.

* Raheem Akbar, six, of Ravensthorpe, was born with short upper limbs and with no thumbs.

This leads to difficulty with balance, self-protection and retrieval of objects.

But Raheem is a very happy boy, who has adapted well to his disability by using his feet and legs to help with his mobility.

* Maria Carr, 16, of Dalton, was born visually impaired and had her right eye removed in 2001.

Despite this she has continued in her life in a cheerful, caring manner.

She attends church and is a helper at her local Rainbow Group. Maria has achieved sporting prowess, running with the Holmfirth Harriers, and has been invited to train with the Great Britain Girls' Goalball Squad for the visually impaired.

* Bnar Jaza, 12, was nominated by the Kirklees refugee support group KRAFT.

She fled from Iraq with her family and now faces returning to the war- stricken country.

Although she is the same age as other refugee and asylum seeker children, she naturally took responsibility to look after them when she arrived in Kirklees.

Her caring and compassionate nature and her huge sense of responsibility enabled her to help others and she thrives on making others feel valued.