BRAVE schoolgirl Sally Slater joined children from around the country yesterday for the 27th Woman's Own Children of Courage 2000 Awards at Westminster Abbey.

The seven-year-old, whose battle for life earlier this year gripped the nation, joined teen idol Billie Piper, former boxing champ Chris Eubank and entertainers Carol Vorderman, Michael Barrymore and Norman Wisdom.

But it was the children who took centre stage, at the annual ceremony to recognise the courage displayed by youngsters facing exceptional adversity.

Sally was struck down by a rare condition called cardiomyopathy, which attacks the muscles of the heart.

Talking at the awards, her parents, Jon, 37 and Bridget, 36, told how their healthy little girl deteriorated in a matter of days. Surgeons had to fit an artificial heart to keep Sally alive, while a frantic search ensued for a suitable organ.

Her mother, Bridget, from Kirkby Malham, North Yorkshire, said: "The point of today is to recognise that a lot of other children have had transplants this year, not just Sally.

"The people who are most courageous are the donor families. Without them, Sally would not be here today."

Within days of her operation, Sally astounded doctors by being wheeled out into the grounds for a chat. Nine weeks later she was back home.

Bridget said: "Sally can't remember anything about her illness.

"There may be the need for operations in the future but, for us, just being together today is the biggest blessing."

Sally is enjoying joining in everyday life with her classmates at Malhamdale United Aided Primary School.

She is looking forward to spending Christmas with her parents and brothers Joe, five, and Charlie, four.

Among those joining Sally for the ceremony was Luke Payne, the 12-year-old brother of murdered Sarah Payne, who gave the first reading.