AN inspirational Rovers supporter has scooped a major honour at a glitzy celebrity bash.

Caroline Shorthouse, who has Cystic Fibrosis, was presented with the Adult Fighting Spirit Award at the 13th annual Breathing Life Awards in London.

The 16-year-old student, from Balderstone, mingled with the stars at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, where she received her award from TV personalities Ben Shephard and Gail Porter.

Caroline, who is a regular visitor to Ewood Park, has suffered from the life-threatening disease since birth, but never lets it get in the way of pursuing her goals. Her achievements include an art scholarship, a music exhibition and an academic scholarship to Stonyhurst College, where she is currently working towards her grade seven clarinet exam.

She is also a keen hockey player and will be touring South Africa with the college later this year, and as a member of the Combined Cadets Force, she has participated in 24-hour walking expeditions, weapon handling and an adventure training camp.

Speaking of her success, she said: "I experienced a whole range of emotions when my name was read out. I was surprised and overwhelmed at first because I never expected to win, but then I guess I was quite excited."

Presented by Carol Smillie and Dr David Bull, the awards were attended by stars from the worlds of music, sport and television to celebrate the outstanding achievements of inspiring people who live with CF - the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease.