THREE Preston girls have been short-listed for a Child of Courage Award.

Kirsty Carlisle, 13, Chelsea McManus, ten, and Jessica Taylor, 11 have each been nominated for the award by Margaret Parkes, of Preston Young Carers' Support Scheme.

Each of the girls are full-time carers for their mothers, and in Kirsty's case, two younger brothers too.

They are among 30 youngsters from around the nation short-listed for an award before judges whittle the number down to ten overall Child of Courage winners.

They will attend a star-studded awards ceremony in Westminster Abbey, London, on December 10, where the winners of the Women's Own magazine contest will be revealed.

And they have already been whisked her off to London to spend a day with Liz McClarnon, of hit girl band Atomic Kitten.

The star chatted to each of them before going through the band's dance moves with them.

Kirsty, whose mother was a victim of domestic violence for ten years said: "The day with Liz was like a dream come true. Atomic Kitten are my favourite band."

But to mum Dawn the Ribbleton Hall High School pupil is already a winner after helping her through one of the toughest times in her life.

The 37-year-old suffered domestic violence before fleeing the city to a refuge in Burnley. During her mum's ordeal Kirsty cared for her younger brothers Liam, 11, and Jamie, ten, who suffers from a hyperactive disorder.

"Kirsty has always been there for me," said Dawn, who has since moved back to Preston with new partner Wayne Jackson, 43, and their baby Daniel.

"She has had no proper childhood, she is very grown up. I am delighted that she has been recognised and this is a tremendous boost for her."

Margaret Parkes, of Preston Young Carers' Support Scheme, who accompanied the girls to London said: "It was such a treat for the girls to meet Liz who was so friendly.

"They put up with so much at home and hardly ever get a break so they really deserved it."