A FOOTBALL-LOVING youngster who plays in goal for his school football team - despite having an artificial leg - has received an award for his courage.

Ten-year-old Michael Peel had his leg amputated in order to save his life when aged four after contracting meningicocal pneumonia.

But that has not stopped Michael, who attends Chester-le-Street Junior School, from becoming an inspiration to his friends.

As well as playing for his school football team, he took part in a sponsored run in June and refused to stop even when his artificial leg caused his stump to become painful and blistered.

Headteacher Joan Twomey was so impressed with Michael that she nominated him for one of Chester-le-Street District Council's Young Achievers Award.

Michael, a finalist in The Northern Echo's Local Heroes 2003 awards, was one of six winners.

She said: "Michael has always shown great courage and determination to overcome his disability.

"He joins in all games and sports, never complains, and no one would ever suspect that he had a disability."

He has constant physiotherapy and faces painful operations every other year until he is about 20, when his bones stop developing.

His mother, Lesley, said that the family have involved the school in his struggle back to health with video diaries. The pupils also get involved in his physiotherapy sessions.

She said the school's involvement and encouragement has greatly helped and has been one of the biggest factors in his recovery.

"He's just so resilient, he just bounces back every single time. He won't be beaten," she added.

"He refuses to use a wheelchair because he says people don't talk to him, but talk over his head."

Michael was presented with his Young Achievers Award in a ceremony at the Civic Centre, in Chester-le-Street.

Other winners were:

* Nicola Hindle, 17, for her contribution to girls' rugby coaching;

* Joanne Jameson, 15, who raised hundreds of pounds for charity by taking part in fundraising ventures;

* Andrew Rodenby, 14, for his commitment to sport;

* Toni Sewell, 16, who overcame personal difficulties to attain six GCSEs;

* Victoria Bryant, 17, who competes in national rowing competitions and has also taken exams in seven different forms of dance;

* Sharon Lockle, who received a civic award for her services to the Chester West community.