It was a bolt from the blue...

Young Kelly Mudd not only picked up a top award for her bravery, but met a Bradford star too.

The young cancer patient, pictured, was last night rewarded for her fight by the city's own Pop Idol, Gareth Gates.

Kelly Mudd won the Chantelle Bleau Outstanding Achievement Against Adversity award.

The 16-year-old was overwhelmed when her award was announced at a ceremony at the Abundant Life Centre in Bradford.

Surprise guest Gareth handed over a trophy and cheques for Kelly and her school, Bradford Cathedral Community College.

The award was set up by the Chantelle Bleau Memorial Fund three years ago to honour young people in the district who have triumphed over various problems, with teachers making the nominations.

It is named after Chantelle, who died in 1997 at the age of 16 after sniffing lighter fuel. The fund was set up in her memory.

This year's winner has endured 14 courses of chemotherapy as well as one of radiotherapy since being diagnosed with multiple cancerous tumours in 2001.

She was nominated for the award by her headmaster David Brett, who said: "Kelly is an amazing girl - she is truly an example to the staff and her peers.

"We are in awe of her commitment to school and life in spite of her incredibly difficult and painful condition."

Kelly, of Holme Wood, said she was speechless when her name was read out.

"I was pleased and I wanted to thank my family, teachers and friends," she said.

Her dad Leslie said he was very proud of her.

"I am overjoyed. I did not think she would win it."

All six nominees met Gareth after the ceremony and Kelly got a hug, as well as signed photos, CDs and books.

"It was wicked, I am a big fan," she said.

The runners-up were Damien Kershaw and Mohammed Hussain.

Damien, a 15-year-old pupil of Rhodesway School, has Hemiplaegia which affects his speech and motor skills.

He was described by the head of his year Christine Taylor as "an inspiration to all who know him".

Mohammed cannot absorb calcium and his immune system attacks healthy parts of his body, causing hair loss and his skin to lose pigment.

The 12-year-old pupil of Yorkshire Martyrs Catholic College was commended for being pleasant, hardworking and eager to catch up on any work he missed.

Gareth said he was amazed to hear the nominees' stories.

"I have been staggered at the bravery they have shown and so glad to have been part of the evening," he said.

"Chantelle Bleau was a friend of mine - we attended the same school.

"Her sudden and tragic death was a total shock to me."

He said he wanted to support the fund, especially their vital work in schools raising awareness about volatile substance abuse.

Chantelle's mum, Pat Bleau, thanked Gareth for his support.

"To see something good like this come out of the tragic death of my daughter is very satisfying - it was a very special night for me and my family."

The other nominees for the award were: Hanifa Rashid, from Beckfoot Grammar School, Bingley; Peter Sawyckyi, from Dixons City Technology College; and Amy Turner from Queensbury School.