A BRAVE Westhoughton youngster has beaten off other young hopefuls to be named as a children's local hero.

Brett Ratcliff, aged 12, of Thorn Well, won a DVD player after judges at Horwich Asda picked him for his fund-raising efforts in aid of his disabled brother's school.

And the boy offered to raffle it to raise even more money and was given another DVD player for himself by organisers.

Brett had his hair cut in a Mohican style and dyed it blue to raise awareness of disabled people.

His five-year-old brother, Rhys, has severe asthma and a damaged immune system.

Brett said: "My brother has a disability but no-one realises it.

"I thought if I did my hair like this it would show people what it is like to be stared at for being different.

"I didn't do it to be a hero -- I just wanted people to realise that we are all different but we have all got a heart."

His mum, Gaynor, said: "I am very proud of him but I couldn't believe it when he dyed his hair blue.

"I almost fell through the floor from shock."

Brett has raised almost £100 for his brother's school, Ladybridge Primary, Bolton, by selling cakes and Christmas cards.

And he donned a lady's swimming costume to swim to raise more cash.

Other nominated youngsters were Philip Atherton, aged two, from Vale Avenue, Horwich, who helped look after his mother when she had a fit.

Natalie Eccles, aged 12, of Lancaster Avenue, Horwich, was nominated for helping the elderly and baby-sitting for young mums in her neighbourhood.

Lydia Power, aged 10, of Eskrick Street, Bolton, Amy Heron, aged 10, of Gosgrave Avenue, Johnson Fold, and Rebecca Hughes, aged 11, of Bashall Street, Bolton, were all put forward for their fund-raising activities.

And Jenny Rothwell, aged 14, of Newchurch Road, Bolton, was nominated for her commitment to the environment and Chloe Weston, aged 10, of Chip Hill Road, Bolton, was named for helping to organise a fund-raising concert.