A TEENAGE girl who learned to cope with the tragic loss of her parents will step forward to receive a national accolade in recognition of her courage tomorrow.

Laura Frost, who earned widespread sympathy and admiration after the death of her parents, Michael and Janet, within four months in 1999, is to be presented with a Child of Achievement award.

Joining her at London's Royal Hilton Hotel will be 13-year-old heart swap girl Kaylee Davidson, the first child in the country to have a successful heart transplant.

Kaylee made medical history when, at the age of only five months, she was given a heart the size of a walnut.

The only two previous attempts to perform a transplant operation on a child of her age had failed, and she was given at best a 50/50 chance of survival.

But now the teenager, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, helps her mother to raise funds for transplant charities.

She has also taken part in the British Transplant Games, winning a medal for the tug-of-war.

Kaylee has become something of a celebrity in her home town, and was invited to perform the opening ceremony for a new business last year.

She has also taken part in medical trials investigating chest infections among transplant patients at Newcastle hospitals.

Also last year, she sent a message of support to transplant girl Sally Slater as she lay in an intensive care bed at Newcastle General Hospital.

Former Prime Minister John Major will present the awards to 150 children tomorrow.

Despite her obvious grief, 16-year-old Laura has impressed staff at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, in Durham City.

Her foster family of the last 18 months, Debbie and John Hinds, and their daughter Kimberley, have been impressed by her attitude. So, too, has her head of year at school, Lil Tighe, who nominated Laura for the award.

Not only has she continued well with her GCSE studies, Laura has helped others, raising money for charity, and performing voluntary work.

Laura was encouraged to organise a Three Peaks challenge with a group of school friends, even roping in headteacher Richard Bloodworth, to drive the back-up vehicle between Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

The effort raised £1,000 for the special baby unit at Dryburn Hospital, a favourite charity of Laura's father.

She has also written a book of ghost stories, which she hopes to have published.

Laura's ambition is to earn a place to study at Oxford University. Her long-term aim is to become a veterinary surgeon.

Mrs Hinds said: "We have been amazed at her attitude, considering everything that has happened.

"She hasn't finished her grieving yet, but the way she has got on with her life, succeeded at school and just generally conducted herself, is tremendous.

"Laura is just a great all- round kid and she hasn't a bad bone in her body. She is a credit to herself."

Laura is looking forward to tomorrow's ceremony, particularly meeting some of the celebrity guests, who will including Gaby Roslin, Bob Holness and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy.