A YOUNG charity champion is winning admirers across the country as her successful awards initiative expands into other areas.

Leah Canning from Greenock's east end is back with her Inspirational Inverclyde event, looking for local people of all ages who deserve recognition.

They are being held in person for the first time in three years after the pandemic chaos finally came to an end.

The 21-year-old is now in demand in other places to launch the same set up, in aid of STV Children's Appeal.

This year's event will include a special honour in the name of her nan who died in June 2020, only two weeks after she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Leah said: "The award in memory of my nan will go to someone who we feel shows so much of what made her special.

"They will be someone who never gives up, no matter what is thrown their way, is kind and shows real grit.

"My nan never let anything get her down."

Inspirational Leah has battled a number of health problems including hypermobility caused from a premature birth and she was recently diagnosed with a heart condition.

Her positivity and work ethic is catching on as people from other areas look to follow her Inspirational awards and establish them in their own home towns.

She said: "Inspirational Renfrewshire was a huge success and I am helping the team.

"I have now been asked to launch them in Lanarkshire as well."

This year's local bash will take place in Cruden Hall on September 2, hosted by life coach and local businesswoman Marion Morrison.

Leah has secured a number of sponsors, including major local employer EE, once again.

The gala will support the STV Children's Appeal which gives money to causes in Inverclyde.

She added: This is a cause very close to me, they support so many causes locally."

Nominations are open until June for all categories - including citizen, charity organisation and community organisation of the year.

To find out more visit www.facebook.com/ICIAwards