Rachel suffered from hydrocephalus when she was born, which damaged the area of her brain controlling her movement.

Until she began the MOVE programme the Hythehill Primary School pupil could not crawl and could not walk without help.

Yesterday (Thursday), Moray was declared the first European MOVE Region of Excellence for the programme that helps severely disabled children improve their movement.

Liz Gray, paediatric physiotherapist at Dr Gray's Hospital, developed the initiative.

She said: "I started the MOVE programme because I wanted to help children develop the practical, functional skills to do the things they want and be included in the sort of activities other children enjoy.

"We currently have children from two to 15 years old, and help them in a wide variety of ways, teaching a child to build the strength to lift up his head so his mum can feed him, helping a youngster to learn the techniques to sit, unaided, at a table so they can take part in a birthday party, or even to walk a short distance independently – each of these can make a world of difference.

"We train a wide range of people who work with each child, including parents, teachers, classroom staff, therapists and social workers, as well as the child, so we are all contributing to the improvements which may seem small to an outsider, but are life-changing for those involved."

Rachel's life has changed dramatically since she started the programme about two years ago.

Her mum, Laura, said: "She couldn't crawl and couldn't walk without holding onto someone's hand.

"She would never have gone off as she can now.

"The programme has made a big difference to her and me. Life is much easier without having to lift her.

"I'm just so proud of her."

Peter Holland, chief executive of MOVE, named Moray the first European Region of Excellence. Accepting the plaudit was Liz Gray (right), who developed the programme, Louise Clarke, Rachel Bremner and her mum, Laura. NS

Louise Clarke (14), from Dufftown, had the honour of unveiling the plaque at the ceremony at the Eight Acres Hotel in Elgin.

She has cerebral palsy and was the first child in Moray to take part in the MOVE programme.

Louise said: "It's helped me really well because I can move from my wheelchair, and it's given me more confidence.

"I can get up on my feet, which is something I couldn't do before."

Moray has been recognised because of the successful multi-agency work between NHS Grampian, Moray Community and Social Care Partnership and Moray Council's education service in delivering the initiative, so every children who could benefit has access to it, helping them gain functional skills to enable them to sit, stand and walk.

Andrew Fowlie, NHS Grampian general manager, said he was proud the programme had received international recognition.

He said: "The attention to detail and practical changes are great.

"Liz and all of her colleagues are enthusiastic and innovative, and deserve this kind of recognition.

"Also, the hard work put in by children and their families is recognised by this award."

h.lawson@northern-scot.co.uk

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