SHE may be only nine years old, but Rebecca Walker wants to be a big star.

But according to her parents and the children's group she attends, she already is one.

At the Bolton Children's Workshop classes at Tonge Ward Labour Club, she is often a main performer in charity shows.

And at home, she is a constant help to her handicapped parents, Jan and Gary.

Now, the caring youngster has been nominated as one of Bolton's Champion Children in an award scheme run by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Prentice Howarth, and the Bolton Evening News.

She will attend the presentation ceremony at the Town Hall on Sunday, April 10, to see if she is an award winner..

Eight local winners in two age groups - under nines and 16 and under - will receive trophies.

Workshop organisers Alison and Nicola Power sent in the nomination, praising Rebecca for never missing an event and being the first to volunteer to take part in shows "or to help with bag packing or any fundraising".

The Horwich Parish Primary School pupil sang and danced in a charity show in Blackpool recently, and is set to perform in two more in Bolton soon. Mr and Mrs Walker are her biggest fans.

"We love watching her perform, although I always have butterflies in my stomach!" said her 34-year-old mum, who was was born with cerebral palsy.

Mr Walker, also 34, was born with spina bifida. They met while pupils at Parklands School in Swinton when they were 12, later married and live in a specially adapted bungalow in Pembroke Close, Horwich, with Rebecca and her six-year-old sister Jessica, also a talented Workshop member.

But it is Rebecca's performance at home that her parents most appreciate.

"Rebecca is great at helping out, they both are," said Mrs Walker. "Rebecca is good at getting items in high places. She's also helpful in the supermarket and stands on my wheelchair to reach up."

The family is delighted with Rebecca's public recognition and are looking forward to supporting her on the day.

As for Alison and Nicola Power, they also have high hopes for their young Workshop proteg: "We think Rebecca has all the makings of a good citizen of the future."