A COURAGEOUS young cancer sufferer was shown the way to recovery - by listening to Is This The Way To Amarillo.

Ross Walsh, aged seven, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of brain tumour, in April last year.

And he was helped through his daily radiotherapy by listening to the Tony Christie classic, which lasted for exactly the same time as his treatment.

But now he is smiling - after being given a Little Star award to mark his bravery in the face of illness, from Cancer Research UK.

Ross, a pupil at Holcombe Brook Primary School, had undergone a four-hour, life-saving operation at Pendlebury Children's Hospital before having daily radiotherapy.

Yet just a month later, he was back playing football with his beloved Ladybridge Athletic despite being half-way through intensive chemotherapy.

Cancer Research UK have now given the youngster, of Strathmore Close, Ramsbottom, their Little Star award to mark his bravery.

His delighted mum, Jane, who is a teacher at Holcombe Brook, said: "Throughout the past nine months Ross has kept us all going as he has accepted and adapted to everything he has had to go through so well.

"He has been so brave, strong and an inspiration to us his family and will always be our little star."

Not only has Ross managed to keep a positive outlook on his treatment, he has also been awarded Man of the Match twice as well as keeping up with his schoolwork and learning to play the violin.

Jane Bullock, spokesman for Cancer Research UK, said: "Ross and his family have faced tough times, but they are extremely positive individuals and Ross has managed to put a smile on everyones faces by showing such a fierce determination to get better.

"Ross deserves an accolade for being such a cheerful little boy and Cancer Research UK is delighted to give him a Little Star award."

Family friend Carol Snowden was so impressed with Rosss bravery and his treatment at both Pendlebury Childrens Hospital and the Christie cancer hospital in Manchester she will run the London Marathon to raise funds for Christies.

The Little Star campaign is run every year to celebrate the bravery of children like Ross who continue to sparkle after being diagnosed with cancer.

Eligible youngsters can be anyone under 16 who are being treated for, or who have had cancer.