A COURAGEOUS Dalton girl has shown amazing strength after losing both her parents in the past two years - including her mum passing away just two months ago, in the hours after the youngster's birthday.

The bravery and determination of 10-year-old Rachel Reeves makes her young adult siblings enormously proud during a period of such tragedy for the grieving family.

Rachel has been put forward for The Mail's Christmas Stars to honour how she has stuck in at school, continues to keep smiling, and helps support her three sisters and brother.

The Reeves family lost their mum, Karen Reeves, in October. Mrs Reeves took ill on Rachel's birthday and sadly died suddenly in the early hours of the next day, aged 52. This was further heartache for the family as their father, Trevor Reeves, sadly died two years ago from a health condition, aged in his 40s.

Rachel, lives in the family home with her young adult siblings, her 21-year-old brother, Nathan, and her 18-year-old twin sisters, Helen and Bethany, who care for her, alongside her eldest sister, Danielle Bibby, 27, who is based in Barrow.

Mrs Bibby said: "We are all surprised and so, so proud at how well Rachel is dealing with this. She is the strong one.

"It has been an incredibly difficult time for Rachel and the family. It's a big change for us.

"There has been a lot going on for that little girl over the last two years. "She is doing so well and keeps smile. We are all supporting Rachel.

"We have a good support network around us, and we are grateful for that.

"Rachel keeps going and keeps busy. She is doing well at school, Dalton St Mary's, and they have been excellent."

Rachel wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up, she is very creative and loves art.

The brave girl is also a young auntie to Mrs Bibby's children, Amelia, two and Tyler, six. Mrs Bibby said: "Rachel loves them to pieces and they love her."

Rachel was delighted to receive her invite to the The Mail's very special Christmas Stars party, which takes place at The Forum, in Barrow, next week. All our Christmas Stars nominees will meet the stars of this year's panto, Cinderella , and will be Father Christmas presenting them with a gifts and surprises.

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