A BRAVE boy from Suffolk who suffered a major brain injury when aged nearly three has been given a top national award.Now 12 years old, Ben Housson, from Nacton, has won the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for Young People 2005.

A BRAVE boy from Suffolk who suffered a major brain injury when aged nearly three has been given a top national award.

Now 12 years old, Ben Housson, from Nacton, has won the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for Young People 2005.

His school, Orwell Park, in Nacton, has also been given a special certificate signed by Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, after nominating him.

Ben's certificate says: “Inspirational. In recognition of those who have shown qualities that have made a real difference to their community, school or who have succeeded against the odds.”

While in a restaurant in France, a 100 kilo ship's wheel ornament fell on Ben's head, causing massive brain damage and the loss of one-third of his body's blood. His heart stopped but he was resuscitated in the ambulance and put on a life support machine.

Although his family was told his condition was beyond hope, two weeks later he walked out of the hospital.

He has overcome the impact of the accident on his life, despite suffering another brain haemorrhage and contracting meningitis.

His headteacher Andrew Auster announced Ben's achievement and said Orwell Park School was delighted.

He said: “Ben continues to be a remarkably brave boy, on a daily basis, overcoming physical discomfort.

“He is excelling with his academic studies at Orwell Park School, being one of his year group's leading mathematicians. His passion for football, especially Ipswich Town Football Club, is always evident!”

It is the third time Ben has been given an award. In 2002 he and his older brother Max won a Child of Achievement Award, which they received from the author of the Harry Potter series J K Rowling. Ben was also given a Pride of Britain Award at another special ceremony featuring Arsenal footballer Sol Campbell.