A children's charity founder has received a special award by the prime minister for the support she provides to bereaved British Forces children.

Theresa May has recognised Nikki Scott, founder of Scotty's Little Soldiers in King's Lynn, for supporting children who have lost a parent in the armed forces.

Ms Scott was awarded the Points of Life award, which recognises outstanding individuals who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Army wife Nikki Scott set up Scotty's Little Soldiers in her husband's name, Corporal Lee Scott, after he was killed in Afghanistan in 2009, leaving behind their two small children.

The charity reaches more than 360 children of Army, Navy and RAF personnel providing fun activities, counselling and personal development grants.

Her award from the prime minister coincided with Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 30.

In a letter to Ms Scott, the prime minister said: 'The positive impact Scotty's Little Soldiers is having on the lives of bereaved British Forces children is a wonderful tribute to the memory of your husband Corporal Lee Scott.

'The support you are providing is giving families a lift when they need it most, helping children who have lost a parent to smile again.'

Ms Scott said: ''Winning this award came as a huge surprise and I'm so incredibly honoured to have been chosen.

'After I lost Lee, I saw first-hand how it impacted my two young children. There was no support for them, so I set up Scotty's initially to help children who had lost a parent in the British Armed Forces smile again.

'I soon realised there was much more which needed to be done for these children, who at such a young age had experienced so much.

'Scotty's now provides members and families an integral support network where they can meet and talk with other families going through the same thing.

'I'm extremely passionate about what I do and the children we help, and I hope that being recognised for this award will help reach other bereaved Forces children who may not be aware that Scotty's is there for them.'

The annual Scotty's Day falls on Tuesday, July 10, the anniversary of Lee's death, which aims to raise awareness and funds. More information can be found at: scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk.