A BRAVE Kingswinford girl has overcome severe illness to scoop a nomination for an international award.

Ceri Davies, aged 17, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is one of 30 finalists for the Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes Award.

More than 1,300 young people across the globe were nominated for their voluntary and community service efforts.

The ten worldwide winners will be announced in the coming weeks and will receive an all-expenses trip to the USA and £1,250 for their charity of choice.

Ceri, who lives in Vernier Avenue, said: "To go to America would make it even more special as I've never been there before.

"I'd love to meet the other Huggable Heroes and hear about what they've done in their countries.

"It would be a great opportunity to bring together local and global issues and hopefully there might be opportunities to work together in the future."

Ceri, who travels the country as an ambassador for the Princess Diana Trust, says if she wins she will donate the £1,250 to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

She said: "I had a 12-hour operation there in August which I really needed, so I want to give something back.

"The money would go towards improving toy facilities for young people on the ward."

Despite her own health problems, the Halesowen College student is tireless in her commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives.

Ceri said: "I know I've achieved a lot but there is so much more I want to do.

"I want to study social sciences at university and carry on doing what I enjoy so much."