Croydon's very own Child of Courage stole the show when he collected his award at a glitzy ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Five-year-old Dominic Head was one of the winners of the awards in recognition of his courage and determination to live life to the full.

Guests including former Brit School student Katie Melua, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, former EastEnders star Ross Kemp and Nancy Del Olio, girlfriend of England football coach Sven Goran Eriksson, attended the awards ceremony to hear each child's inspirational story.

Dominic was born with foetal alcohol syndrome, after his natural mother drank heavily while pregnant with him.

He had a heart condition and a number of medical problems and was not expected to live. But Dominic, who was fostered shortly after his birth, proved medical experts wrong.

He battled his way back to health after a number of operations. And earlier this year he underwent pioneering surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital to fully open his eyes.

An abnormality in the muscles of his eyelids meant Dominic could not see properly. Doctors transferred muscle tissue from his thigh to his eyelids to enable him to open his eyes fully for the first time.

And throughout his time in hospital he showed his fighting spirit and love for life, which were recognised with his Child of Courage award, organised by Woman's Own magazine.

Dominic collected his gold medal from X-Factor winner Steve Brookstein and actress Paula Sage. It was the highlight of a whirlwind two days for the St Giles School pupil.

He had breakfast with the Blairs at 10 Downing Street last Wednesday and met Prince Charles at Clarence House the following day.

Dominic's adopted mum, Avril Head, is still on cloud nine after the awards.

She said: "It's just been incredible. I've had three days worth of pure enjoyment. Credit must go to Woman's Own and GMTV for organising such a special event."

Despite meeting so many VIPs and celebrities, Avril insists the most enjoyable part of the experience was meeting the other children and their families.

Avril recalled how everyone at the ceremony commented on how lovely Dominic was, with one star in particular taking a shine to him.

She said: "Everyone we met really loved Dominic, but Gillian Taylforth ex-EastEnders and Footballers' Wives star was particularly charmed by him."

And when Steve from X-Factor called out Dominic's name, Avril said she could not believe what happened.

"As soon as his name was called out, he leapt up and went up to collect his award all by himself, he just looked so confident and happy, it sounds cheesy but I was so proud of him."

She added: "He has taken everything in his stride, even when we appeared on GMTV, he just seemed to say the right thing at the right time. "It's been a wonderful experience."