A BRAVE Hyndburn schoolgirl who was presented with a Child of Achievement honour earlier this year is off on the holiday of a lifetime.

Keiley Radcliffe, of Richmond Avenue, Accrington, was one of just 150 young people chosen from more than 5,000 to receive the honour at Hilton Hotel, Park Lane.

The 14-year-old was nominated by her teacher Stephanie Brewerton for her "doggedly determined nature." She received her award in February. Following the presentations all the winners received a surprise when they were given an Airtours Summer Fun Brochure and told to take their pick. So Keiley, her mother Elaine, 37, brother Joshua, eight, and family friend Sonia Whitehead, 24, will jet off to Fuerteventura for a week in the sun on Saturday.

The Child of Achievement awards, which are in their 20th year, are to recognise children who help others or who have overcome disability or illness.

Keiley was born three months premature -- weighing 1lb 12oz -- before the backs of her eyes had fully developed. She is partially-sighted as a result. The teenager has almost no vision in her right eye and has only slightly better sight in her left eye.

Her mother Elaine said: "I really worried about her when she was younger -- she used to come home every day with a note saying that she had banged her head or tripped -- but she has never let it beat her." Although Keiley understands braille she also taught herself to touch-type in just seven weeks so she could do her school work.

Her teacher at Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwistle, said: "I chose her because even though she is visually impaired, she copes brilliantly with mainstream education. and she is a super person.

"She also wants to pursue a career in drama and sets a great example for other children who want to do the same thing. We are all very proud of her."

Keiley said: "I was a bit embarrassed at first and didn't know what to say when I knew I had been nominated but I am really looking forward to the holiday and getting a tan."