A Bristol boy who bravely battled a rare form of bone cancer is the latest Evening Post Gold Star winner.

Cody Walker, of Knowle, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in January 2008 but has now been through treatment and is back at school almost full-time.

The first sign that something was wrong with the nine-year-old was when his legs became painful, but this was initially put down to growing pains.

He had also been feeling sick and when he became more unwell his parents Jeremy and Sarah, took the youngster to the NHS walk-in centre in Knowle and he was referred to the A&E at Bristol Children's Hospital.

Early thoughts were that Cody, now nine, had an infection and he was prescribed a course of antibiotics and spent a week in hospital.

But the symptoms returned and he went back to hospital and a biopsy was carried out, which showed that Cody had cancer.

His parents were shocked by the diagnosis and the treatment that the Hotwells Primary School pupil had to endure, but their son amazed them by taking his illness in his stride.

They said that it had been hard for the youngster to give up the activities he enjoyed, including gymnastics and mountain biking, but they were impressed by the way he managed to keep his smile and sense of humour throughout. He was supported by his sister Brittany and brother Jed.

Cody had to undergo 15 cycles of chemotherapy, and he had a metal leg bone and kneecap fitted during surgery at Birmingham's Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and has attended physiotherapy sessions to improve his use of the limb. He has to return to the hospital to check whether he needs another operation on his leg.

Cody barely attended school for a year and a half and had a tutor to prevent him falling behind with his work, but since Easter he has been going to school almost full-time.

Mr Walker, 43, said: "Cody just got on with it really. Now that he is back at school his friends have been a great support. They will go in and do exercises with him when he has physiotherapy and when he gets tired they give him piggy-backs or carry his bags."

Mrs Walker, 41, who is preparing to return to work as an information officer at Bristol University, after taking time off during Cody's illness, said: "He is such a positive little chap and has got such courage. This award is wonderful for Cody and for us .

"We hope Cody's experience will provide a bit of hope for other people, especially those with his specific type of cancer.

Evening Post deputy editor, Rob Stokes, said: "Cody is proof that you don't have to be grown up to be courageous, he has shown such bravery in coping with his illness. Cody is a real inspiration and we are delighted to be able to give him this award."

Managing director of First Bristol, Somerset and Avon, Justin Davies, said: "Cody has shown great bravery in his cancer battle. He has dealt with his treatment with a maturity beyond his years and is a worthy Gold Star winner."