A miracle baby who has battled against the odds throughout her life has won a local heroes' award.

Little Chloe Gregory weighed in at just 1lb 6oz when she was born four months prematurely at Easter 1993, but her grit and determination to lead a normal and active life has won her a Young Achiever of the Year title.

And a proud 11-years-old Chloe walked unaided onto the stage at the Hilton Hotel, St Helens to collect her trophy at the Wish FM awards ceremony.

When Chloe came into the world at Hope Hospital she was not expected to live.

Mum Julie, of Hanson Drive, Howe Bridge, said: "She was such a poorly baby who it seemed was not meant to survive. She was in and out of hospital for a long time, and though she has a disability she has always overcome it”.

"She was not expected to be able to breathe or walk, but she started taking steps at the age of three and gets by with the aid of crutches. She takes part in sport and has overcome all the hurdles she has faced”.

"She was expected to go to a special school but instead went to mainstream St Richard’s, Atherton, and this year started at St Mary's High School, Astley”.

"She swims for Tyldesley Swimming Club, goes horse riding and used to play wheelchair tennis at Robin Park until her coach left."

Julie, who is training to be a nurse, said: "I heard of the awards and thought I know who deserves such a prize and nominated Chloe. The judges obviously agreed with me picking her as the winner from hundreds of entrants. She was over the moon and we were thrilled when she went on stage herself at the glitz and glam ceremony."

Chloe, an only child, always has pals round at her home, especially best friends Stephanie Aspden and Wesley Summersgill. She is very trendy and enjoys shopping and going to the cinema with them.

Julie said: "We love to see her living a good, independent life and she is spoiled, but not in a naughty way”.

"We had to fight for her to go to mainstream school and can’t thank her two schools for all their help. St Mary’s have supported her in everything she wants to do and have even had lifts installed. The school has been fantastic for her and she has gone from strength to strength”.

"She is a very confident young lady and can walk into a room full of adults and hold a conversation. She knows what she wants and is an inspiration to people who use a wheelchair”.

"Chris and I have had wonderful support from both sets of our parents, Bill and Sylvia Harvey, and John and Jean Gregory, and we want to thank them for all their help in allowing Chloe to live life to the full. We couldn’t have done what we have without them."

"Winning such an award is not a bad achievement for a poorly baby who wasn't meant to be."