A toddler recovering from leukaemia helped launch national awards celebrating the bravery of children with cancer.

Noah Beschorner-Barker, three, won a Cancer Research UK Little Star award this year during his battle with the disease.

He was recognised for his courage after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in February 2014.

The intensive chemotherapy he received to treat the condition left his immune system unable to cope. He had many setbacks and infections and caught swine flu, which temporarily blinded him.

Now on the road to recovery, Noah's family are keen to see more children win the Little Star Award.

Noah's mum Vicky Beschorner-Barker, said: 'Poor Noah had to overcome so many obstacles during his treatment. As well as having cancer, he fell prey to every infection going and developed severe allergies to a lot of the drugs.

'I more or less lived in the hospital with Noah, which meant I only saw my other son Zakk, seven, at weekends. It was a very difficult time for us all.

'Getting the Little Star award was a real boost for Noah, and Zakk received a certificate too. We're really grateful to Cancer Research UK for all the work they do.'

Celebrities backing the awards include singer Emeli Sandé, footballer Wayne Rooney and Strictly Come Dancing stars Kristina Rihanoff, Robin Windsor, Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer.

Every child nominated will get a unique trophy, a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by celebrities as there is no judging panel or overall winner.

Cancer Research UK Norfolk spokesman Jane Redman said: 'The Little Star Awards are a wonderful way of raising awareness of the progress that is being made in the fight against children's cancer and we would like to encourage anyone who knows an inspirational child to nominate them now.

'Thousands of children are here today thanks to the research that saved their lives. But sadly, improvements have not been seen in all cancers. There is much more to be done.'

The Little Star Awards are open to all under-18s who have cancer or who have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

To nominate a Little Star or donate, visit cruk.org/littlestar

Do you know an inspirational child? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk.