Aminata Kalokoh was just six-year-old when she made a life changing move from Sierra Leone to Bromley.

The girl, now nine, was diagnosed with global delay development and Dystonia and has a neurological condition, affecting her movement and balance.

Luckily, a caring family from Bromley adopted her, and soon afterwards she was impressing students and staff in Marjorie McClure School in Chislhurst.

Iain McClean, Aminata’s adoptive father, said her progress in the past three years has been “amazing".

In Sierra Leone – Aminata didn’t go to school and was unable to communicate, but she now converses through an iPad, sign language and gestures.

Aminata was recently given the special recognition award at the London Children of Courage ceremony, a recognition of young people who overcoming significant adversity.

The Bromley girl began impressing when she started competitions with Panathlon – a charity hosting sporting events for disabled children.

Speaking about her most recent award, Aminata’s adoptive father, Iain McClean, said: “Massive thanks for the opportunity that Panathlon have provided for Aminata to do what she likes best - sports and competition.

“Aminata insisted on going to school the next morning to show off her award to her classmates and teachers, and then to church on Sunday to do the same again.

“She is very proud of herself and we are sure this will inspire her to keep striving to do her best. It was a special evening for us as a family, such a positive vibe and we enjoyed every minute of it.”

Guy Wilkins, teacher at Marjorie McClure School, added: “During these past three years she can now communicate and say whatever she wants in her own way.

“She is a shining light in her class and has become a role model.”

Aminata was presented with her special recognition award by TV presenters Carrie and David Grant at the Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane.

The London Children of Courage Awards was organised by St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation.