A regional daily has been praised by its local MP after holding its first Children of Courage Awards.

The Burton Mail held the awards to recognise exceptional youngsters in four categories – carer, bravery, fund-raiser and special recognition – and nearly 30 children were nominated.

The winners of the awards were picked by around 2,000 readers who voted online, by text or with a coupon published in the paper.

And the Mail won praised from Burton and Uttoxeter MP Andrew Griffiths, who was among the guests as the awards were handed out at a ceremony.

He said: “Once again, the Burton Mail showed itself to be at the centre of our community in Burton. It is to the paper’s credit that it tries to print good news when it can, not just bad.

“I hope that the Children of Courage Awards will now become an annual event, such is the importance I place on it. It is a showcase for good.”

The winners ranged from a girl of four who lost limbs to meningitis to an 18-year-old who deferred her entry into university to look after her sister, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Mail editor Kevin Booth told nominees at the awards evening: “You have earned the right to be in the spotlight and can be immensely proud of your achievements.”