Two North Yorkshire youngsters who have proved an inspiration to others are to be presented with special awards by former Prime Minister John Major.

Zoe Smith, from Selby, and Harrogate's Hannah Timmis, are among 150 UK winners of this year's Child Of Achievement awards.

The two heroines will rub shoulders with celebrities at a star-spangled ceremony at the Hilton's grand ballroom in London on Sunday.

Five-year-old Zoe, who was born with a serious heart problem and extensive birthmarks on her face, was nominated by Elaine Ward, head teacher at North Duffield School.

Mrs Ward described Zoe as an inspiration to everyone - remaining happy and enthusiastic despite having to take medication and attend hospital every fortnight for blood tests.

She said: "Zoe happily catches up with time lost at hospital to keep up with her classmates. She's a lovely, lively little girl, facing the future with huge optimism."

Her teacher, Delia Andrews, said: "She's an absolute delight to teach and is always in the thick of everything."

Zoe, of Willow Drive, North Duffield, will travel to London this weekend with her mother, Joanne, and father, Dominic.

Joanne, 34, who is a learning support assistant at North Duffield School, said Zoe came through a "life or death" operation when one of her main heart valves had to be replaced, and faces more surgery in the future.

She said: "Doctors didn't expect Zoe to survive the night, but she's a real fighter and never complains. We're amazed and thrilled by this award. To be chosen from 5,000 nominations throughout the UK makes it very special."

Hannah, a pupil at St Aidan's High School, in Harrogate, is another child "Oscar" winner.

The 12-year-old has spent the last two years looking after her seriously-ill mother, who is suffering from a debilitating thyroid problem.

She was nominated by her grandmother, Christine Stott, who said Hannah had given up her own social life after taking over the day-to-day running of her home.

Her mother, Elaine, 36, said: "Hannah has been an absolute treasure. She will do anything and everything without being asked.

"She will come home from school and cook the tea, clean up and do the shopping with her dad.

"She's just a wonderful, thoughtful girl, and I'm really proud of her."

Updated: 11:07 Friday, February 09, 2001