Deafblind girl, 7, nominated for national award

Charlotte Walker has become more independent in recent years, her mother said

A seven-year-old deafblind girl from Nottingham has been shortlisted for a national award to recognise "incredible progress" she has made in learning to eat, sign and speak.

Charlotte Walker was diagnosed with Charge syndrome - a condition that affects all of her senses - days after she was born.

She has been nominated for the charity Sense's Young Person of the Year award after rapidly developing her ability to communicate.

Her mother Vanessa said she was "grateful [to] take a step back to look at everything she has overcome".

'Big steps'

Previously Charlotte's family feared she may not have been able to eat, drink, communicate or walk on her own.

However, since using a special bone-anchored hearing aid, she has been able to become more independent, even in the face of a recent diagnosis of epilepsy.

As well as visiting Sense's centre in Loughborough, she has also been learning Makaton signs with her mother.

"There is so much progress that Charlotte's made and it's wonderful to see her celebrated for everything she can do and the big steps of progress she's made," said Ms Walker.

"The fact that other people recognise that in Charlotte is very special."

Sense said it would reveal the winners of its awards on social media in November.

Rebecca Liddiard, head of children and young people services at the charity, said it was "heartwarming" to hear Charlotte had been shortlisted.

"Charlotte is an amazing, resilient young girl who has worked really hard to learn how to communicate through sign and speech," she said.

"I have no doubt Charlotte will continue to thrive and we wish her all the luck in the world at the awards."