Courageous young cancer victims in Wiltshire are set to be recognised with an award backed by celebrities including Leona Lewis, the Jonas Brothers and Usain Bolt.

This week Cancer Research UK launched its annual Little Star Awards in partnership with TK Maxx and are urging friends and family of young cancer patients or survivors to nominate them now for special recognition in the run up to Christmas.

Last year Alyssa Lenton-Jinks, six, of Carp Close, Calne, was awarded a Little Star award after she lost her hair twice during her fight with a rare form of leukaemia.

Earlier this year, six-year-old Keane Meyers of Bewley Crescent in Lacock received an award after his brave battle with Non Hodgkins Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.

Cancer Research UK spokesman Helen Johnstone said: “The Little Star Awards – now in their seventh year - allow us to recognise the unique challenges faced by youngsters diagnosed with cancer and salute their courage.

“We are delighted that recipients will this year have £50 to spend on toys, books or fashion as part of TK Maxx’s wider commitment to supporting children with cancer.”

Cancer Research UK is the largest single funder of research into children’s cancer in the UK, spending more than £9 million last year.

Susanne Given, managing director of TK Maxx UK and Ireland, said: “The Little Star Awards are a fantastic way of recognising the courage of children who have faced a diagnosis of cancer and the support they receive from families and friends.”

Cancer is the most common cause of death from illness in children aged between one and 14. Each year, about 1,500 children in the UK are diagnosed with the disease - that is around one in every 500. To nominate a Little Star e-mail littlestar@cancer.org.uk, go to the website via the link below or call the Little Star Awards team on 0113 203 2440.

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