We have often been privileged to tell the stories of children who've shown exceptional bravery and determination.

But rarely have we reported on a youngster whose courage was more inspiring than that shown by five-year-old Ben Fox, who since his birth has endured more than 20 major operations.

Ben was born with his right leg and two vertebrae missing, minus a third of the bone and muscle from his hip, a blocked oesophagus, a hole in his heart and a serious problem with his lungs.

Devoted medical care clearly helped him to survive. But the biggest weapon doctors have had in their fight for Ben is almost certainly his own fighting spirit.

His grandma Pat Saunders was right to nominate him for a Children of Courage 2000 award. He richly deserves his place among the ten winners, and his seat at the award lunch at the House of Lords.

This brave little boy and the other gutsy youngsters who will be there are now looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Tony Blair and the host of other celebrities, who will be there to congratulate them, and we hope Ben will get his wish that they'll include Michael Barrymore, his favourite TV comedian.

In fact, on this occasion it's the glittering celebrities who will be the privileged ones. They'll be meeting children whose spirit is an example to all of us.