TWO caring children who have helped their mum cope with the death of their little sister have been nominated for the Argus toy giveaway - for the second year running.

Jordan and Paige Thomas, aged seven and four, lost their nine-week-old baby sister Lauren almost three years ago to cot death.

As their mother Danielle, 23, of Somerton Park, Newport, struggled to come to terms with her loss, they did everything they could to help her.

"If I'm upset and have a down day, Jordan gets photos of Lauren and says 'not to worry, Mum, she's still here'," she said.

"They both give me big hugs all the time and we talk about her every day. They think she's still with us and they cuddle the photos. They're marvellous."

Lauren died two days before her mum's 21st birthday and her death had a devastating effect, particularly as Miss Thomas' grandmother died just four days later.

Both the young mum and her children have had counselling, but the pain never goes away.

"Without Jordan and Paige I would never have coped. They are my miniature heroes and I love them both very much."

Miss Thomas said the pair, both pupils at St Andrew's primary school, take their McDonald's Happy Meal toys to the cemetery and place them on their sister's grave for her to play with in Heaven. And they even wanted to take their Christmas presents so she could share their special day.

Last year, the brother and sister attended our Argus party for those special children who won toys.

But their mum thinks they are so special, they deserve to be recognised again.

The Thomas' touching tale came to light following our appeal for children to receive an extra Christmas toy, courtesy of the Argus, the Woolworth store in Newport and the TotalFun toy fair in London.

Children who have shown courage, lost someone special, or kept the family's spirits up in troubled times, are all worthy of nomination.

Those chosen will be invited to a party at Woolworth's, and receive a toy from the store's range.

* To nominate a child, send your letters to Tom Whiteley, Christmas Giveaway, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Newport, Gwent, NP20 3QN, or call Margaret Morgan on 01633 777229 for a form. Nominations close on December 15.