A SCHOOLGIRL with a heart of gold who cares for both her mum and her severely autistic brother has been hailed a hero.

Inspirational Becky Munley, named Inverclyde's Young Person of the Year, looks after mum Gillian, who suffers from epileptic seizures almost every day.

On top of this the 14-year-old also supports her big brother Logan, 17, who also needs round the clock care.

Becky, nominated for the gong by the young carers group she attends, said: "I couldn't believe it when my name was called.

"I thought they were talking about someone else.

"I called my mum and she was crying on the phone."

Modest Becky says she does not think of herself as special.

She told the Tele: "I just do what I have to do and help as much as I can in the house.

"I make sure my mum is okay and my brother needs a lot of help.

"It can be hard sometimes."

The St Columba's High School pupil won young carer of the Year at the Legacy Awards and then at the end of the night she was back on stage for a second time as overall winner.

Her mum Gillian, 40, who has suffered from epilepsy since she was 11, paid a moving tribute to her daughter.

She said: "Becky is a star, she really is fantastic.

"She is the best daughter in the world and my hero.

"I honestly don't know what I would do without her, she copes with so much.

"It is hard with her brother as well as he needs a lot of support and Becky often has to be the one to do it.

"My epilepsy has been bad in the last couple of years.

"I can't be on my own and I have seizures all the time.

"It is very scary for people, as I get no warning signs.

"Becky is our rock.

"She has had to grow up so fast and it isn't fair.

"Becky has been a carer since she was very young.

"It is just the three of us but we have a very, very close family round about us."

Young carer Becky is also a star pupil at school and dreams of becoming a paramedic or joining the police.

She is a member with Unity Dance Project in Greenock and earlier this year won a major international competition.

She says Barnardo's has given her lots of help.

Becky, of Burns Road, said: "Their young carers group is brilliant and I have made a lot of friends there.

"It is good because we all understand what it is like and can talk to people.

"I also love helping the younger children, some of them are as young as five.

"Most of all it gives us a chance to forget we are young carers and just enjoy ourselves.

"We go on days out and on trips away.

"I don't know what I would do without it."