PRESTONPANS campaigner Grace Warnock has been given a British Citizen Youth Award in recognition of her work to improve awareness of invisible illness.

Grace, 11, joined other young people and children at the Palace of Westminster on Friday to receive her award.

The British Citizen Youth Awards are awarded to inspirational young people.

Grace’s Sign, which was developed by the youngster to help tackle issues surrounding bathroom access for people with ‘invisible’ illness, have been adopted by public venues, airports and even the Scottish Parliament, since it was introduced.

Grace, who is a pupil at Preston Lodge High School, attended the medal presentation ceremony for the prestigious award, where she was joined by her mother Judith, grandma Rebecca, grandad John, and East Lothian MP Martin Whitfield. She was pictures with Diversity star Ashley Banjo, who hosted the awards presentation.

Speaking after the presentation, Grace’s mum Judith said: “Receiving the award is such an honour for Grace and it recognises the work that she has been doing to raise awareness of invisible illnesses/disabilities and the issues that people face when travelling and going about daily activities like shopping and taking part in sport.

“This would not have been possible without those who have changed their signage and have shared Grace’s dream that no one should be judged just because their disability or illness can’t be seen.

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to Iain Gray MSP, as without his support at the start of this campaign this young lady would not have been able to make the changes and raise awareness that she has and will continue to do.”

Mr Whitfield, who has supported Grace’s campaign from the outset, said: “Grace has taken an issue that was largely ignored previously and, through the creative idea of her sign, managed to give it a huge amount of positive publicity and helped increase public awareness.

“The campaign has been incredibly successful and Grace deserves a huge amount of credit for her idea and for having the drive to take it forward.”

While fellow supporter Mr Gray added: “Grace fully deserves all of the recognition and praise she has received for her campaign and I am absolutely delighted that she has been presented with this distinguished award.”