Brave boys rewarded

THE bravery of a pair of young boys has been recognised by Newhaven, Peacehaven and Seaford Lions Club.

Each year the club invites people to nominate youngsters who have shown courage in the face of adversity.

This year's winner is six-year-old Nicholas Cole, a pupil at Denton Community School, Newhaven.

Nicholas was born with a rare leg abnormality and underwent many painful attempts to correct it through operations and by wearing leg irons.

Sadly, the attempts failed and the only solution was amputation which took place last September.

However, he was fitted with an artificial leg and now has the ability to take part more fully in games with his friends.

Lions youth officer Derek MacGarvie said: 'Throughout his long ordeal Nicholas has remained cheerful, happy and an inspiration to all.

'He is a promising swimmer and competes well with his peers. He hopes one day to swim at the Paralympics.'

Nicholas was presented with the Brian Smith Award Memorial Cup and a cheque for 100 by the president of the Lions Club, Trevor Blann, at his school on Monday.

Also recognised as an example to others was 11-year-old Luke Johnstone, a pupil at Cradle Hill School, Seaford.

He was presented with a certificate for his outstanding courage and cheerfulness for undergoing months of treatment and chemotherapy for leukaemia.