Abigael Kirby helps her mum, dad and brother, look after 10-year-old Esther and five-year-old Miriam who both suffer from Angelman Syndrome which means they have profound learning disabilities and are hyperactive.

Mum Wendy Kirby said that because the two younger girls require 24-hour care, she and her husband would not be able to manage without the help of Abigael and her brother Jacob.

Now Abigael's selfless commitment has been recognised with the Princess Diana Award of Achievement after she was nominated for it by her school, Southlands.

Wendy said: "She and her brother Jacob are brilliant at helping care for the two girls. They watch them, make tea, clean up after them.

"Abigael is excellent. She will help me with the washing, if I've had a bad day with the girls she will think nothing to making tea, she's brilliant. She's a really big help, I couldn't do it without her."

Angelman Syndrome is a genetic condition with a 50/50 chance of children being born with it.

Esther was seven-years-old before she was diagnosed with the condition.

Wendy said: "We knew there was something at two and three she was still not walking and she didn't have any language. Obviously when Miriam came along it was picked up a lot sooner."

Both girls attend Mayfield School which they love.

Wendy, of Lighthurst Lane, added: "It is a brilliant school, we get lots of support with the girls and as a family, and they love it.

"Abigael and Jacob spent the whole of parents' evening running round after the two girls so that me and their dad could talk to the teachers.

"The girls are very, very active, we have locks on every door at home because they get into everything. They require 24-hour care, and without Abigael and Jacob we couldn't do it, to be honest."

Deputy headteacher at Southlands Brian Souter said: "We nominated Abigael because of her inspirational qualities that are demonstrated through her commitment to caring for her two younger sisters."