Lacey Miller's parents always knew she would win her fight against cancer – because she never stopped smiling.

The two-year-old spent months in hospital clinging to life after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.

She endured more than 20 blood transfusions, battled countless infections and was so weak she had to spend months in isolation.

However, the toddler, who was prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection just days before she was diagnosed, smiled through it all – giving mother, Claire Bruce, and father, Michael Miller, hope that their only child would survive.

After taking part in a Cancer Research UK drug trial and an intense five-month treatment regime, Lacey, from Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, is now a picture of health and cancer free.

And last week the youngster received a special Little Star Award from the charity in recognition of her courage and determination.

Her proud mother, who nominated her daughter for the accolade, said: "She's done so well and we just feel so lucky to have her.

"I always knew she would get through it. She was so brave during her treatment and always had a smile on her face. It was her smile which kept me and her dad going through what was such a difficult time."

Miss Bruce, 24, added: "We just had to take each day as it came. But I was always positive and sometimes if you think positive, positive things happen. Now to look at her you wouldn't know she had been so unwell.

"She's a bundle of energy and makes me laugh every day. She is so special and totally deserves this award."

Lacey, who completed a gruelling treatment regime two days before her first birthday, has been free of the disease for just over a year.

She is now well enough to attend nursery six hours a week and, like most children her age, loves books, drawing and playing with her toys.

Lacey, who still gets regular check-ups, has to be free of the disease for five years before she is officially given the all-clear.

However, Miss Bruce said: "Every year is a year closer to being cured and that's a good thing. Hopefully it will never come back."