Horncastle girl Freya Harris wins Pride of Britain award

Freya with Echo at the Pride of Britain Awards

An eight-year-old girl from Lincolnshire has been honoured at the Pride of Britain awards.

Freya Harris, from Horncastle, was named Child of Courage at the star-studded ceremony held in London.

She was recognised for her courage after competing at Crufts to show "dreams can come true" despite being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Earlier this year, Freya came second in her category with her canine "best friend" Echo, an Australian Shepherd.

Freya competing with her dog, Echo, at Crufts

In 2021, Freya was diagnosed with a Wilms' tumour, a rare form of kidney cancer that affects about 80 children in the UK each year.

It was after her diagnosis that Freya's parents decided to get her a puppy to encourage her to go for walks after spending time in hospital for treatment.

However, Freya decided to go one better and took up dog showing after watching Crufts on TV with her mum Gemma.

Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Freya said: "I never thought I'd be nominated for a Pride of Britain award.

"It was actually crazy being on the red carpet."

Freya was presented with the award by Fleur East and Jordan North

Freya was presented with her award by Fleur East and Jordan North.

"I was really nervous, but it was fine, Freya said. "They were both really nice."

Freya pictured with mum Gemma Harris and nan, Alison Pettit

Mum Gemma described Freya receiving the award as "a pinch yourself moment".

"It just didn't feel real at all," she said.

She said Freya's motivation had always been to show other children that anything was possible.

"I'm just incredibly proud of her," she said.

"She sets a dream and she is going to follow through with it - it's amazing."

The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with TSB is on ITV and ITVX at 20:00 BST on Thursday 12 October.