AN inspirational nine-year-old who was invited to speak to the Welsh Assembly to discuss disabled housing in the Amman Valley has given a motivational speech at a prestigious award.

Mia Thorne, of Pontypridd, was the youngest ever person to receive a Diana Award in recognition of her campaigning for disability rights within Wales and her fundraising for children’s charity Dreams Come True in March this year, and was asked back by organisers to talk to guests at the ceremony last month.

The Diana Award is given out in Diana, Princess of Wales’ name to young role models who are selflessly transforming the lives of others and recognise young people going above and beyond in their daily lives to create and sustain positive change.

Over the last 12 months, Mia has lobbied her local council and contacted Accessibility Wales to provide a park that was more accessible in Pontypridd and also attended a meeting with the Welsh Government regarding disabled housing in Garnant for her uncle.

Scott Fairburn, Mia's uncle, is wheelchair bound and was looking to move house but found it difficult, so she decided to take action in the summer and wrote to the Government.

Mia, who is child ambassador for Cauldwell Children, has cerebral palsy and has overcome a lot in order to help make dreams come true for other children.

The youngster is currently learning to ice skate for a fundraising challenge in July, but due to her condition Mia has weakness in her right side and can’t skate properly.

However Mia is determined to do this challenge for Dreams Come True, a children's charity who help to enrich the lives of young people with serious conditions by making their wishes come true, and to help the children on the waiting list.

Mia’s mum Karene said: “Mia is doing amazing. She has her own health battles but she wants to make a difference for others.

“She has already raised over £2,000 which is an incredible achievement.

“Dreams Come True paid for us to go to Florida in 2012 and now Mia wants to raise money for them so more children can achieve their dream.

"After meeting with the government, Persimmon Homes sponsored Mia and the Welsh Assembly are now putting ideas forward for new housing developments throughout Wales that increase the door regulations on future projects."