DOZENS of nominations have poured in for The Mail’s Christmas Star nominations to honour the kindest and bravest youngsters in Barrow, Furness Ulverston and Millom.

And as the deadline draws in The Mail has issued a final call in its hunt to find south Cumbria's most inspirational children.

Amongst the nominees are the Mathers sisters Katie, nine, and Emily, five.

Little Emily has been nominated for the bravery award due to her resilience and positivity while undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. Emily was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour last year at the age of three.

In a sweet turn of events, older sister Katie has also been nominated for the kindness award in helping her sister through this difficult time.

Mathers family member Joanne Khan Durrani, said both girls deserve to be recognised.

She said: "Both Katie and Emily would be proud to be recognised for there bravery as they both are going through a very difficult time in very different ways.”

Other nominations in the kindness category include, four-year-old Noah Butler, who lives with his mum, Briar Butler, in Barrow.

The youngster is helping his 30-year-old mum battle terminal cancer.

William Murray has also been nominated in the kindness category. For the past two years he has devoted his time as an Elf in Training to assist Nanny Elf in entertaining 1,215 children at the Barrow & District Disability Association.

The six-year-old has carried out tasks such as making sure every child gets a chance to colour in pictures for Father Christmas, showing children into the Grotto and assisting disabled adults and children to get around.

Another kindness nomination involves seven-year-old Jay Foden whose parents run Barrow Community Kitchen.

Jay’s nominator, Cllr Michael Cassells, said: “Jay’s opted to join in on the running of the community kitchen and is an active member. I think it would be really good to recognise when children make decisions like that."

Other kindness nominations include 10-year-old Kane Gow who, for the last three years has almost single handed managed the Tuck Shop for children visiting the Grotto. He has stayed at his post from 10am to 3pm and helped clean up afterwards. His efforts meant that grown ups could get on and look after whatever he could do.

The Mail has also received some fantastic nominations in the bravery category.

Eight-year-old Luiz da Silva has been nominated in this category. Luiz is disabled and lives with his disabled Mum who has been very poorly lately.

Mum Janine da Silva, said: "Despite his own disabilities, he has been kind, sympathetic and caring, trying to do things most children wouldn’t even think of.

"This nomination is absolutely brilliant because Luiz deserves it, he helps me so much.”

Eight-year-old Mia Wilson has also been nominated for the bravery award. Mia has a severe heart condition which greatly affects her life. She has been recommended for her courage and bravery.

Siblings Aaron and sister Lacey Cook, nine and three, have also been nominated for their bravery.

According to their nomination, the brother and sister are “exceptional children and due to their needs their wonderful mum started a Disabled Children’s Play Group".

Two-year-old Roman Doby has been nominated as a Christmas Star.

His nomination simply read: "Roman is an extremely worthy child to be nominated."

The final bravery nomination goes to 10-year-old Mia Craig from Dalton.

Her mum described the youngster as "a little superstar" looking after her dad who has brain cancer.

Mrs Craig said: "She has been very brave and her loving, caring nature has been keeping the whole family strong."

This year prizes include a magical trip to The Forum , Barrow where Santa and his Nanny Elf will be waiting to give this year’s special nominees a selection of presents courtesy of Heath’s Toymaster.

As well as this, nominees will have the opportunity to meet the cast of this year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs where they will receive an exclusive private performance from the hit pantomime. The Forum will also be offering the winners of the awards two free family tickets for Snow White for a show of their choice between January 2 and 5. Nominations will be accepted until close of play today.