Streetdance star helps launch search for Yorkshire's most courageous children

Junior Frood with the Chuckle Brothers and Billy Pearce.
5th May 2016.
Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe — Junior Frood with the Chuckle Brothers and Billy Pearce. 5th May 2016. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

The sixth Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards (YCCA) will take place at New Dock Hall in Leeds on October 14, hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern.

Junior was 11 years old when he picked up the sporting achievement award at last year’s event in recognition of his talents - which have seen him ranked third in the world for his streetdance skills. Since scooping the award, he has been selected to represent the UK in a showcase of the best street dancers in the world at Wembley Arena this July.

He was among several previous award winners who helped YCCA ambassadors the Chuckle Brothers launch this year’s search for nominees at a party at the Headingley Experience last night.

Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2016

YCCA — Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2016 YCCA

Also there were ambassadors, comedians Billy Pearce and Jack Carroll, and Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

Missing from the event though was this year’s newest ambassador, One Director star Louis Tomlinson.

The awards are organised by the Leeds committee of the St James’s Place Foundation, which has raised more than £46m for deserving charities over the last 23 years.

Last year’s event, the biggest yet, recognised the outstanding bravery, caring, courage, sporting achievement and fundraising skills of 12 Yorkshire children - as well as raising £115,000 for the Foundation.

Awards founder and Leeds representative of the Foundation, Stephen Mitchell, said: “There are some fantastic children out there who show amazing courage and caring every day, and recognising them is first and foremost our focus on the night.

“Last year we received a record amount of nominations, which made it a real challenge, and we’re hoping to hear from as many people again this time round.”

Yorkshire Post Newspapers is the media partner of the awards.

YEP editor Nicola Furbisher said: “We are delighted to be involved once again and urge our readers to support the awards by nominating worthy children.”

To nominate, or to buy tickets for the event, visit www.yorkshirechildren.co.uk