Two Harpenden children - who both ran a marathon after their father was diagnosed with cancer - have been given a national award.

Reece, 9, and Emilie, 7, were presented with the Medal of Honour at the British Citizen Youth Awards on Thursday (October 20).

The event was held at the Palace of Westminster and hosted by singer and actress Kimberly Wyatt.

Earlier this year, the brother and sister raised over £60,000 by running a marathon each over the summer holidays.

Herts Advertiser: The duo covered 52 miles between them. Image: Mark RyanThe duo covered 52 miles between them. Image: Mark Ryan (Image: Mark Ryan)

The duo ran 52 miles between them in just seven weeks following their father's pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

All of the money raised went to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Dame Mary Perkins, Patron of the British Citizen Awards, said: “The British Citizen Youth Award recipients are very special individuals.

Herts Advertiser: Emilie and Reece's efforts raised over £60,000.Emilie and Reece's efforts raised over £60,000. (Image: Stephanie Belton)

"These young people all go above and beyond for others with selfless acts of kindness and community spirit with no thought or expectation of praise or reward.

"This Medal ceremony is a great opportunity to shine a light on what they do and give them the recognition they so thoroughly deserve.

"They are the nation's true unsung heroes and the rising stars of the future.”