Sisters Maisie-Jayne and Ellie have been branded real-life Christmas Heroes for balancing their education with caring for their ill mum.

The Worle Community School students were recognised with certificates and prizes.

Both girls were nominated by their mother, Natasha, a teacher at The King Alfred School Academy, also part of The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT).

Natasha was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

Maisie-Jane and Ellie became an immense support for their mother during her cancer treatments, helping out at home whilst achieving academic excellence and even excelling in football.

They took over light cooking, washing, and general household chores while Natasha underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Natasha said: "MJ and Ellie were my rocks while I was going through treatment, they supported me to still function.

"They enabled me to still be able to be a teacher as well as a mum.

"The girls attended on a Saturday and followed all my instructions leading young chefs around the school and supporting me while I sat down, really being amazing daughters as at the time they were in primary school."

Weston Mercury: The Worle Community School students were recognised with certificates and prizes.

Maisie-Jayne and Ellie showed remarkable resilience as they balanced caring for their mother and managing their schoolwork.

Despite the challenges they faced at home, their academic work didn't suffer — they sat their SATs and continued with their school work and homework, never falling behind.

The dynamic duo displayed not only their caring skills but also their sporting talent — they excelled in football with their team and primary school.

Ellie was the top scorer last season, with Maisie-Jayne playing in defence.

Principal Mark Tidman presented the girls with their Christmas Hero awards, saying: "We are super proud of Maisie-Jayne and Ellie.

"They sum up everything this school is all about."

Their awards were part of the Christmas Heroes campaign in partnership with the Grand Pier, which sponsored prizes including a free rides pass.

Worle Community School Academy celebrates heroes every day as part of their PROUD plan to inspire students to be prepared, respectful, optimistic, understanding, and determined.

The school also offers a range of opportunities for students to develop their character, talents, and interests with clubs including music, drama, art, and sports, and a thriving careers programme.

The school was the first to set up a Jill Dando News Centre, in memory of former student, Jill Dando.

Here, young journalists find, write and publish positive news while modelling kindness, humility, and positivity.