AN inspirational girl who found an inner strength to help others when her late dad was terminally ill – and then continue her selfless activities while she was grieving – has been nominated for The Mail's Christmas Stars.

Amelia Butterfield set up the school fundraising shop Cute as Buttons with her friends to sell items in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care and St Mary's Hospice.

The 11-year-old started the shop at Victoria Academy while her dad, Ben Butterfield, was bravely battling cancer.

Amelia became an active fundraiser to help other families going through the most difficult of times. Her work on the shop, and leading other fundraising events, raised thousands of pounds for charities.

The brave lass continued with her fundraising work while facing grief, as her dad sadly passed away in August 2016, aged 39.

Amelia has been a tower of strength to her mum, Caroline Butterfield, and her three sisters Jessica, 15; Olivia, eight; and Isla, five.

She also kept up her school buddy role, helping a pupil with a disability.

Her selfless attitude and compassion saw Amelia recognised as someone who could motivate other young people to get involved in social action in their communities.

She was selected as a Step Up to Serve #iwill ambassador, a UK youth social action campaign, of which the Prince of Wales is patron.

Amelia organised events at school and was an inspirational speaker at the Furness Future Leaders’ Academy this summer, speaking to groups of other young people about social action.

Amelia was honoured by the British Citizen youth awards, which praises young people making an extraordinary contribution to society, charities and good causes.

The youngster, who will celebrate her birthday on Christmas Day, has inspired many others to get involved in fundraising and good deeds.

Amelia has moved up to Furness Academy this autumn and she is doing exceptionally well.

Mrs Butterfield is very proud of all her girls, and the whole family are proud of Amelia.

Mrs Butterfield said: "Amelia has made us all realise that you can find strength at times of great sadness, and that makes you rethink things.

"We are so proud of Amelia and what she has achieved. She has this inner strength, she gets that from her dad, Ben.

The Mail works with Heath's Toymaster, The Forum, the cast of Barrow panto Cinderella and Barrow and District Disability Association to celebrate courageous and selfless children in our communities and give them some magical Christmas surprises.

Our bravery and selflessness winners receive an early Christmas visit at home from Father Christmas, who delivers beautiful toys courtesy of Heath's Toymaster in Dalton Road, Barrow.

The Mail is also hosting a very special Christmas Stars party at The Forum, in Barrow, next week where all our Christmas Stars nominees will meet the stars of this year's panto, Cinderella , and Father Christmas presents them with a gifts and surprises.