THE BRAVERY of children with cancer in Dorset is to be recognised with a special award, as new figures released by Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens offer increased hope of survival.

According to the charity, the rate of children dying from cancer in the South West has fallen by 26 per cent since the early 2000s.

Thanks to more research and better treatments, the latest figures show that death rates for under 15s have decreased from around 27 deaths per million children a decade ago to around 20 deaths per million children today.

The news comes as Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens launches its annual Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, across the county.

The awards, which celebrate the courage of children affected by cancer, are backed by a host of famous faces including professional dancers Karen and Kevin Clifton, Olympic long jumper and medallist Greg Rutherford and television personality Sam Faiers.

Unlike many other children's awards, there is no judging panel because Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens and TK Maxx believe that each and every child who faces cancer is extra special.

Recipients get a unique trophy, a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by celebrities.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens spokesperson for Dorset, said: "It is a privilege to be able to recognise the courage of children with cancer with a Star Award and we would like to encourage anyone who knows an inspirational youngster to nominate them now.

"Although we're losing fewer young lives to cancer, a lot more needs to be done to find new and better treatments.

"And as more children survive cancer, it's especially important that we concentrate on improving their quality of life after treatment. Many children who survive cancer will live with long-term side effects from their treatment which may have an impact on them as adults. So it's vital that we find treatments that are not only better at treating the cancer but also have fewer side effects.

"Cancer Research UK's investment in clinical trials for children with cancer has been a major factor in developing today's treatments and it's pivotal to ongoing research that will offer new hope to children with cancer and their families".

Professional dancers Karen and Kevin Clifton added: “The incredible fighting spirit that young people show when diagnosed with cancer is so humbling. We are both so proud to support the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards once again as we want to help recognise the true bravery of each and every Star.”

Cancer Research UK's Kids & Teens Star Awards are open to all under-18s who have cancer or who have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

To nominate a child for an award, donate or fundraise in support of Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, visit cruk.org/kidsandteens