A PLUCKY schoolgirl has been nominated for a top swimming award for her outstanding courage.

When just a baby, Jenny Hill had her leg amputated from the hip. But that has not deterred the 12 year old, who loves sport.

Jenny, from Bacup, has an artificial leg and attends Alder Grange High School, Rawtenstall.

She was nominated for the Kelloggs Amateur Swimming Association award scheme by her former swimming teacher Carole Kite.

Carole, who has taught swimming for more than 30 years, said: "When I started taking Jenny for lessons she could only swim a little on her back. "I treat all the children the same and Jenny excelled being in the water with others."

From those first few strokes Jenny progressed to taking her school swimming certificates and the ASA bronze and silver.

She is currently working towards gold.

Jenny has raised more than £500 for the BBC TV appeal Children In Need through a sponsored swim and been selected to swim for her school against able-bodied children.

Carole said Jenny loves all kind of sports and, though not wheelchair-bound, has set her sights on wheelchair basketball.

Every year the ASA hosts a gala dinner, this year on November 22, to celebrate the achievements of the people nominated for the awards.

Jenny and Peter Lambert, of Brierfield, are two of about 60 people named from two million eligible for nomination.

Only 12 of those nominated will be invited to the dinner to meet Olympic medallists.

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