PETER Andre and his Somerset born wife, Emily are supporting an awards scheme to recognise the courage of children diagnosed with cancer. 

The Cancer Research UK Kids and Teen Star Awards in partnership with TK Maxx, are being launched today (November 30) and celebrate the strength shown by young people who have been affected by cancer. 

Emily Andre, who is a junior doctor at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “As a doctor, all I want to do is be able to make people better, and as a mum I know how hard it is to see your child sick.

"These children show amazing courage through such a difficult time."

The awards are open to all under-18s who currently have cancer or have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

All nominated children will receive a trophy, £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and certificate signed by Emma Thompson and a whole host of famous faces including Una Healy, Louis Smith, Aston Merrygold and Peter and Emily Andre.

Peter said he is 'proud' to be supporting the charity.

 “I know how hard it is to hear that someone you love has cancer and to lose them – it’s just completely devastating.

"And as a parent, all you want to do is protect your kids – no one should have to face something like this.

“I am in awe of the strength these kids show, and that’s why I’m so proud to be supporting the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards. Money raised will help find new, better and kinder treatments for children and young people with cancer, which is so important.”

Nominations for this year’s awards have now opened and the charity is calling on people to nominate young cancer patients and survivors from across the south west.

Alison Birkett, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens in the south west, said: “Our mission is to fund research to find new, better and kinder treatments for children and young people diagnosed with cancer in Somerset and across the UK.

" We want to bring forward the day when no young person dies of the disease, and ensure that those who survive, do so with a good quality of life.

“So we’re calling on people to nominate inspirational youngsters for this year’s Star Awards so that we can recognise their incredible courage.”