A YOUNGSTER from Abington Pigotts, who helps care for her grandfather, who has a brain injury, has received an award. Claudia Miller, 10, a pupil at St Mary s Primary School in Royston, was a runner-up in the Clydesdale Bank Young People of the Year 2006,

A YOUNGSTER from Abington Pigotts, who helps care for her grandfather, who has a brain injury, has received an award.

Claudia Miller, 10, a pupil at St Mary's Primary School in Royston, was a runner-up in the Clydesdale Bank Young People of the Year 2006, which recognises young people who are positive role models.

When Claudia is not attending school, she dedicates her time to caring for her granddad, who sustained severe head injuries after falling out of a tree he was pruning two years ago.

She also helps the brain injury association, Headway, and cares for other brain-injury victims and their carers.

She helps give her grandmother a break from caring by escorting her grandfather Ray, 73, on activities and outings organised by Headway.

Claudia said: "We've been to Sandringham and Althorpe House and are going on the Nene Valley steam train.

"It's good to get granddad out. It makes me happy to help him and other people."

Claudia and her mum Vickky have seen an improvement in Ray.

Vickky said: "His short-term memory is still poor, but compared to what he was, he's a lot better."

Claudia said: "He's better at his painting and uses brighter colours.

"But he's not allowed to climb trees any more."

A spokesman from Headway said: "Claudia has helped and supported her granddad throughout.

"She knows instinctively when help is required, and is constantly by his side.

"It is this sort of devotion and selflessness that endears her to our group.

An adjudicator who judged the entries, said: "Claudia does little things that make a difference. Her presence at Headway brightens up many people's days.

"She is a hard worker and does everything within her power to help her granddad and others.

"She has shown true devotion - exceptional in someone of her age.

"She is so young to give time and loving care.