The bravery of a Swindon youngster will be recognised in a national award ceremony which honours some of the most heroic young people in the country.

Five-year-old Westlea Primary School pupil Ben Fox is one of just ten young people to be awarded the Children of Courage 2000 Award.

He was born with a catalogue of defects in his vital organs and limbs resulting from an extremely rare condition called Vater syndrome, which affects one in 30,000 people.

Judges were impressed by the fighting spirit which has helped Ben endure more than 20 operations.

On Wednesday, December 13, he will join a group of Britain's most courageous children to be honoured by the Prime Minister, the Duchess of Kent and some of the biggest names from showbusiness, sport and music.

As part of the event, organised by Woman's Own magazine, the group will visit 10 Downing Street for drinks and biscuits before taking part in a Christmas service of celebration at Westminster Abbey.

Then the youngsters will be taken to the House of Lords where the leader Baroness Jay will host the traditional Children of Courage lunch which will be attended by a host of celebrities.

The list of those attending has not yet been announced, but it promises to be a star-studded occasion.

Last year's guest list included Michael Barrymore, Joan Collins, Sir Bobby Charlton, Ulrika Jonsson, Ally McCoist, Chris Eubank, Gaby Roslin, boy band Another Level and stars from EastEnders, Brookside and The Bill.

Ben and his parents Carol Hearne, 42, and Andy Fox, 37, will be put up in a luxury London hotel for three days.

Estate agent Carol said: "I don't know what to say I am speechless about

the award. It is brilliant.

"My mum Pat Saunders nominated Ben for the award, but of course I did not think anything of it. There must be thousands of children who are nominated each year."

When Ben was born, he had a blocked oesophagus, two missing vertebrae, no right leg, a third of muscle and bone missing from his hip and a hole in his heart and lungs. He is also doubly incontinent.

But he amazed medical staff by his fighting spirit.

He has undergone at least 20 major operations at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, including open heart surgery twice, a colostomy operation and the removal of two vertebrae from his spine.

He also faces a major bladder operation in the next few months but maintains his robust cheerfulness.

Ben is now enjoying his first year at Westlea Primary School where he is supported throughout the school day by an educational support assistant who helps him with tasks such as eating and going to the toilet.

Carol said: "He loves school and he has made some really good friends. To look at him, you would not believe how ill he was a few years ago. He is just like any other young child, full of life.

"Ben is really hoping to see Michael Barrymore at the ceremony because he was there last year, and he thinks he is really funny. He is really looking forward to going."