A WESTHOUGHTON actress says she is on "cloud nine" after being nominated for a Bafta.

Ruth Madeley has been shortlisted in the best actress category in the prestigious awards for her role in the BBC factual drama Don’t Take My Baby, her first lead role as an actor.

The programme told the story of a disabled couple's fight to keep their new born baby, with Ruth playing Anna joined by her partner Tom played by Adam Long, who is partially sighted.

They are forced to prove they are capable of looking after their daughter, a situation which can often occur in real life.

Ruth will find out whether she has won the award on May 8.

She said: “I cannot express my surprise and joy when I saw my nomination on Twitter — we’re on cloud nine!

"Don’t Take My Baby is a true-life testimonial of a disabled couple struggling to keep their baby from social services.

"Playing Anna was an opportunity and privilege to showcase some of the upsetting circumstances disabled couples face when they have a baby. I hope this film helped break down some of the prejudices and beliefs society has about disabled couples with children.

"My dream to be nominated for an award alongside inspiring actresses like Sheridan Smith, Suranne Jones and Claire Foy has become a reality. I am truly grateful and flattered and can’t wait for the 8th May!"

After being born with spina bifida and scoliosis, Ruth a wheelchair as she has trouble walking.

At the age of five, former Mount St Joseph School pupil Ruth's life was transformed by charity Whizz-Kidz, who gave her a new wheelchair which allowed her to push herself around the school playground.

Since then she has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the charity and was until recently a member of the charity's board.

Ruth Owen, chief executive of the charity, paid tribute to the actress.

She said: "Ruth’s nomination comes as no surprise. Since we met her when she was five years old and now as a full time member of Whizz-Kidz’s fundraising team, she has never stopped trying to achieve her goals and dreams — no barrier is too tough for her to beat down.

"Her role in ‘Don’t Take My Baby’ is one that challenges society’s perceptions of disabled couples being parents and this nomination is hugely deserved.

"Whizz-Kidz works hard to help break down challenges and barriers that young disabled people face and we are delighted that Ruth, along with many of our young people, has gone on to achieve her dreams."