YOUNG Matthew Holden received a special birthday present, during a school assembly, when he won a Good Citizenship Award, for caring for his mum.

Matthew, a pupil at Bidston Avenue Primary School in Birkenhead, was only nine when he was nominated for the BT-sponsored award, which is part of the Foundation for Citizenship.

Matthew, just 10, received his award for the help he gives to his partially-sighted mother.

In the nomination Bidston Avenue headmaster Barry Dawson wrote: " Matthew has always been there for his mum, to help in many ways. He has gone everywhere with her - shops, hospital visits - and he does jobs around the house. He handles her mail and writes letters. He has always been reliable and never grumbles."

Presenting the award to an awe-struck Matthew, BT technician John Conway, told Matthew's schoolmates and teachers that it takes a special kind of person to win a Good Citizenship Award.

He said: "I am told that Matthew does a great deal for his mum, in all sorts of ways. It's great to be able to give him the award and I am sure that his mum and the school are very proud of him."

Matthew with the good Citizenship Award presented by BT technician John Conway and Headmaster Barry Dawson.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.