Girl, 11, ' inspiration to all'

It was presented to her by the past president of the Newhaven, Peacehaven, Seaford Lions Club, Doug Janes, on Friday.

The club co-ordinates the awards in memory of a former president, Brian Smith, who did much for young people in the area.

Rhiannon, who attends Annecy Roman Catholic Primary School in Seaford, has neurofibramitosis which has caused serious disfigurement to her left eye. She has a large tumour about the size of a tennis ball which prevents her from opening her eye.

Earlier this year, she underwent extensive corrective surgery in London.

This involved the removal of some bone from her skull to try to repair the hole in the back of her eye socket. Surgeons also tried to remove the excess tissue which causes the disfigurement to her face.

She will need further corrective and cosmetic surgery in the future.

Her special needs teacher Maree Rhodes, who nominated her, said: 'Rhiannon takes everything in her stride and never appears to be affected by the appearance of her eye.

'She is an extremely confident and happy young lady living life to the full at Annecy. Her confidence and outlook on life is so positive she is an inspiration to us all.'

She was presented with a silver cup engraved with her name and given a cheque for 50. Rhiannon said she would like to take her family to Chessington World of Adventures with the money.