The Courage Award winners at Mansfield's Civic Centre

A group of seven students from Mansfield have been honoured for their bravery in coping with disabilities and medical problems.

The Rotary Club's annual Courage Awards were handed to the seven young people, including two pupils from the Manor School in Mansfield Woodhouse, by BBC Radio Nottingham’s Lucy Tegg at the Civic Centre in Mansfield on Tuesday.

Two of the winners, 11-year-old Gregory Walker and Kirsty Kearns, 13, have both fought leukaemia.

Kirsty's mother, Jenny, said it was marvellous for her to receive the award: "It is absolutely fantastic and a great achievement for her. It is really special for all the children."

Matthew Hallam is the proud winner of a courage award.

Nine-year-old Matthew Hallam, who has a congenital heart defect and has Down’s syndrome, was the youngest recipient and performed a beautiful bow when he received his award.

His mother Jill said Matthew has overcome some great difficulties, including juvenile chronic arthritis, which he contracted last year.

"For Matthew to be here and get the Child of Courage Award is just amazing. There are no words to describe it."

Gregory Walker had three years of treatment at the Queen’s Medical Centre for leukaemia.

His mother said he has been through a lot, but always seems to come through with a smile on his face.

"He was ill at junior school, but was still very popular. And now he is doing very well at school and we hope it carries on," she said.

Asked by Lucy Tegg about his awards, he said: "I am going to put them next to the telly in my bedroom.