Derry Girl scoops ' Child Superstar' award

A great night was had by all - especially Derry’s Yazmin Doherty (7) -  at the glitzy Families First NI: Spring Awards, Early Years’ ceremony.

Held in the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast last week, Yazmin, a pupil of Oakgrove Integrated Primary School, scooped the ‘Child Superstar’ accolade.

Yazmin with mum and dad, Nicola and Gerard.

Speaking to Derry News, proud dad Gerard, said the whole family had had a brilliant night.

“We were all in the main function room which has the replica stairs like those in the Titanic,” said Gerard. “There were about 400 people gathered there, all of the award winners, including many from child care settings and schools. The evening was hosted by Pete Snodden from Cool FM.

“Before each person received their award there was a wee introduction telling the audience all about them and why they had been nominated. Then they were brought up to the stage. 

“In Yazmin’s case, Pete talked about her first and then she went up onto the stage. I have to say, Pete was brilliant.

Yazmin with her Godmother Breige.

“He really put Yazmin at her ease. He took time to chat to her. He asked her about the Toy Appeal [River Radio Annual Christmas Toy Appeal]. Yazmin just took it all in her stride.

“Her award is a trophy that lights up which is pretty cool. She also got an Easter egg. Ann King, the awards organiser made sure everyone got chocolate.”

Gerard said the whole evening was a fantastic experience for Yazmin.

“She got all dressed up. We had a brilliant time, my wife Nicola and Yazmin’s Godmother Briege. Yazmin was buzzing when she got her award. 

“She had been very nervous in the car going to Belfast and she didn’t know she’d have to speak on the stage but she was fabulous. The online goodwill messages the award organisers got about her were amazing. 

“For me, it just went to show how much the Toy Appeal means to people throughout the city, with Yazmin being so much involved in it. I thought it was lovely that the nominees could read such brilliant comments from people who really appreciated what they had done.

“All in all it was a fantastic event. Fair play to the organisers. Yazmin fell asleep in the car coming home, but we all had a ball.”