GEORGIA Rankin likes to be treated like any other eight-year-old but her courage makes her stand out.

She has a bowel disorder and restricted growth and won the annual bravery award from her school.

Her tufting enteropathy means she cannot absorb nutrients from food and has spent 12 hours a night on a drip.

Her, as yet, undiagnosed growth problem means she has never really grown since she was a toddler.

She has missed a lot of school at Barrowhall Lane Junior School in Great Sankey - including three months spent in Alder Hey this year alone.

Retired teacher Greta Watkins presented Georgia with this year's bravery award last week.

Mum Andrea, who lives with husband Simon and Georgia in Westbrook, said: "We were just so proud. The teachers are really impressed with how she has coped. The kids at the school are fantastic. Some of the boys are really protective.

"The drip is her lifeline but she is at risk of infections and there are only so many places you can put the needle.

"She just wants to be treated like any other child. People think it's a toddler talking. She hates it when people stare."

Rod McKenzie, one of the school's two deputy head teachers, said: "She plays in sports where possible. She worked hard after missing a lot of school.

"She has never let it affect her. She has got an infectious laugh, and a lovely big smile."