An inspiring 10-year-old girl from Maidstone has been recognised for her bravery and work helping the community.

Hollie-Grace Gough who lives in Shepway has been shortlisted in the Positive Role Model category at the National Diversity Awards.

The ceremony celebrates the efforts of charities and individuals across the UK who work to inspire others.

Hollie-Grace was born with an incomplete bilateral cleft lip and palate.

In her bio she talks openly about overcoming bullying and adversity from a young age. She now uses her experience to inspire others and raise awareness for the condition.

The 10-year-old said: "I understand what it is like to be the odd one out. I hope to show that you don’t listen to those who put you down.

"I cannot change the world, but I can encourage other children to believe in themselves, to ignore bullying, and to triumph over it turning a negative into positive.

"At five years old I began to get bullied, this went on for many years. I hated school.

"People would call me nasty names and be horrible to me. They would throw my coat and lunch box over fence to stop me from eating my lunch."

Since then, Hollie-Grace moved schools and now spends her free time working on community projects that help various causes across Maidstone.

Hollie-Grace is also a keen runner and uses her talent to raise money for charity.

"I run the Race For Life each year as well as the Big Fun Run, a five kilometre run raising money for the Cleft Lip and Palate Association and Smile Train.

"I take part in several litter picks with my brother and I help grow fresh vegetables that are used to cook free Christmas dinners for elderly and isolated residents.

"I also bought items for my shoe box appeal for the homeless as well as collecting lots of donations before handing them out to the community."

Hollie-Grace will start Maidstone's School of Science and Technology in September. She lives with her mother, Nikki, 38, father Ian, 38. and two brothers Callum,16, and Michael, 8.

Nikki Gough says: "I tell her everyday that I'm proud of her so I think it's building her confidence.

"When she wrote her bio, she was unsure if she should send it in because she still doubts herself but I'm pleased she had the confidence to do it.

"If she gets enough nominations, she will make it through to the next stage where she will be invited to the award ceremony in Liverpool on September 25."

Hollie-Grace was also the runner up in the Happiest Child category of the National Happiness Awards last year.

Nominations are still open and will close on May 18. To nominate Hollie-Grace, click here.

Carley Button from Maidstone and Kent Youth County Council have also received nominations.

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