AN inspirational 11-year-old from Chesham has been rubbing shoulders with the stars in the first Wavemaker's national award ceremony for courageous young people.

Brain tumour patient Jack Sawyer, of Portobello Close, has received public recognition for his charity work to help sick children and their families recovering from brain and spinal surgery.

Jack was selected from more than 100 entrants to receive a framed certificate signed by the former Conservative Prime Minister, Sir John Major, in Leicester Square's Sound Nightclub during an award ceremony at the end of April.

The awards, hosted by television presenter Tania Bryers, boasted a prestigious guest list including Sir John and children's movie stars James and Oliver Phelps the screen twins who play Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter movies.

The awards celebrate young people who use their initiative to help themselves and other people in the areas of health, education and care.

Jack was nominated by the director of Offering Support to Children And Relatives (OSCAR) charity for helping to raise its profile through a number of sponsored walks around Chesham and Amersham in 2004.

Mrs Sawyer said: "I am so proud of Jack for what he has done to help the charity.

"Although he is not in the clear yet and the tumour treatment has stunted his growth, it hasn't stopped him from enjoying life to the full and helping other people."

Jack raised nearly £700 from a collection outside the Elgiva Theatre and doing sponsored walks around Chesham and Amersham in the rain.

The youngster scooped one of only five individual awards and 22 awards in total.

A Wavemaker spokesman said: "Jack Sawyer is a remarkable young person and a true inspiration to us all."