"LADY" Nicole Ashelby can now rightfully take her place at the Round Table after receiving an honorary knighthood from none other than King Arthur himself.

The 11-year-old Smithills School pupil was one of around 30 North-west children to receive the prestigious Knights in Shining Armour award at the jousting arena of medieval theme park Camelot at the weekend.

Nicole was nominated by teachers Hazel Buckley and Paul Haynes at Smithills because she voluntarily helps out with daily tasks and chores each day at the school.

She helps to take equipment to classrooms for lessons and collects the school's Life Credits - similar to merit marks - each week.

Nicole, of Tonge Moor, knelt before King Arthur's throne as he touched her shoulders with the Excalibur sword in a special ceremony in front of around 200 people.

Arthur was joined by his trusty Knights Lancelot and Percivale for the ceremony, held in recognition youngsters who have overcome difficulties, tried extra hard at school, or spent time helping others less fortunate.

The crowd cheered as Nicole knelt on the red carpet, and King Arthur said: "By the power of the mighty sword Excalibur, I dub thee Lady Nicole."

Nicole was given a certificate to mark the occasion, and will now be allowed in to Camelot free of charge for the next 12 months. She said: "It's quite exciting, and I've never received anything like this before.

"The first I knew of it was when Mr Haynes pulled me out of the dinner queue to tell me, and I was shocked. I'm looking forward to coming back with my friends."

Her dad Jeremy said: "It is nice for Nicole's hard work to be recognised. She's always on time for school, enjoys going, and is always willing to help out in class.

"The children were given a day off last week, and Nicole even went into school to help other children and the teachers on her day off, and stayed later than everyone else.

"She is always well talked about by the staff at parents evening. I'm really proud of her."