SHE'S the bravest little trooper in Girls' Brigade - and eight year-old Charlotte Dighton has a medal to prove it.

Charlotte, from Dibden Purlieu, has been presented with a rare Endurance Award from the Girls' Brigade in recognition of her courage in coping with cancer.

She was six years old when doctors at Southampton General Hospital discovered that a form of childhood cancer called Wilms Disease had attacked Charlotte's kidneys.

Intensive periods of chemotherapy followed, then there was an operation to remove the tumour. While still undergoing chemotheraphy Charlotte decided to join the 1st Hythe Girls' Brigade at the United Reformed Church in Atheling Road.

Her courage amazed Brigade captain Beverly Eyres, who said: "Charlotte had lost all her hair from the chemo, and yet she was still willing to join a new group of people.

"I admired the way she came to her first meeting with a bandanna round her bald head. She was soon singing away and enjoying herself.

"We were very impressed by Charlotte's attitude and decided to nominate her for the award which is given only to those who really deserve it. "

Charlotte, a pupil at Hythe Primary School, said she joined the rrigade to have fun. "My friends were going and there are always lots of things to do. I was really embarrassed about the award, but I was pleased too," she added.