A NINE-YEAR-OLD dog lover has overcome complex health conditions to scoop a prestigious national award. 

Cleator Moor's Ruby James suffers from Noonan Syndrome, a disorder on the autism spectrum, plus deteriorating visual impairment.

Leah and Nick Todd-McCoid, Ruby's mum and step-dad, are both totally blind and cherish every moment with Ruby and her five-year-old step-brother, Logan. The family also has 10 dogs!

"The children have learnt from a very young age to adapt to our lifestyle - it's just normal for all of us," said 39-year-old Leah. "We learnt very early on too about having to find different ways of doing things like changing bottles and nappies.

"But we can do all the things that other families do - the only thing we can't manage is driving but my parents help us with that."

Leah's parents live next door and her dad Ken Todd, who is a retired builder, built both houses.

Nick, 33, said: "Leah's parents have been a massive help, especially with Logan because they can help him do lad's things like ride his bike and play ball games."

Leah said that family life can be stressful but very rewarding. 

"Technology has also been a massive help to us," she said. "We have a talking microwave, audio-described movies, talking computers and mobiles, this means we can just get on with things like watching a film or doing our online banking." 

Because Ruby has overcome all these obstacles, the St Bridget's pupil has been named Young Kennel Club's Young Braveheart of the Year and is a finalist for its Young Person of the Year award - for which she needs your vote!

Ruby has scooped dozens of awards for her Chihuahua and Pomeranian breeds, including a second place at last year's Crufts - the world's largest dog show.

The youngster, of Crown Place, will be returning to Birmingham's NEC to receive her Braveheart award and she could win £750 if she takes the top prize.

Leah said that the family burst into tears when they heard the news that she had won the award.

"She just oozes confidence at the shows and she is an amazing handler," said Leah. "The dogs are her life. She just lives and breathes it."

Leah said the obsession started three years ago when Ruby received her first Chihuahua.

"She just fell in love with the breed," said Leah. "So, we bought another and that's where it all started! We started doing it as a mother and daughter thing, but now the whole family is obsessed."

Even Ruby's step-brother, Logan, has caught the bug and is planning to breed Dalmatians.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary: “Ruby is a remarkable young lady, and her bravery and dedication to dogs despite battling health issues every day is incredibly inspiring.

"Junior handling has boosted her confidence immeasurably and truly gives her a genuine sense of achievement unequalled by anything else. 

"She develops strong bonds with her dogs as they seem to have a real mutual understanding, and dogs don't place expectations on her."

Ruby is one of five finalists for the Young Person of the Year award, but she needs to secure the highest amount of online votes to win. To vote for Ruby, visit tinyurl.com/hup8dqu and click on her photo at the bottom of the page.