A BRAVE Barrow girl who is recovering from major injuries suffered in a road traffic collision has been nominated as a Christmas Star.

Ellie Smyth-Tyson spent six weeks in hospital after being hit by a car in October and returned to her home just a fortnight ago.

The 11-year-old was flown to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool by the North West Air Ambulance after being knocked down in Friars Lane, Barrow, on her journey home from school.

Ellie had got off a bus and a car collided with her while she was crossing the road.

The St Bernard's Catholic High School student suffered a head injury, had plastic surgery for a facial injury, had a broken arm and fractures in her pelvis. She is also still to have dental work.

Ellie was in Alder Hey Children's Hospital Liverpool for a week-and-a-half then transferred to Furness General Hospital in Barrow.

Ellie's family have put her forward to be a Christmas Star for her bravery and hope that she gets well enough to return to school in the new year.

Her mum Gemma Tyson said: "Ellie suffered major injuries in this accident and was ever so brave dealing with the whole ordeal. I would like to nominate her for this award as she deserves it 1,000 per cent in my eyes."

Mrs Tyson said learning of the incident and rushing to the scene was "horrendous", and it was "the worst day".

"Ellie was devastated by the whole thing, but she has been absolutely brilliant and so brave.

"It was just an unfortunate accident, the wrong place and the wrong time."

The family has raised £400 for the North West Air Ambulance as a thank-you to the charity which relies on public donations to keep their helicopters in the skies.

Mrs Tyson said they are thankful to all the medics, emergency services, family, friends, school and people who have supported Ellie.

She said: "They are absolutely fabulous, they have all been brilliant with Ellie."

The Evening Mail has again teamed up with Barrow's Heath's Toymaster to honour courageous and selfless children in our communities.

The Christmas Star winners receive a surprise visit at home from Father Christmas who presents them with beautiful toys courtesy of Heath's in Dalton Road, Barrow. The Evening Mail also hosts a special Christmas gathering with Father Christmas for nominated children.

Nominations are open to children up to 13 years old who are from across Furness, Millom, Ulverston and the south Lakes.

Children can be nominated by filling out the digital form at nwemail.co.uk or by using the coupons printed in the Evening Mail. Nominations close on Friday December 16.