AN inspirational nine-year-old is set to be part of a global meningitis awareness campaign.

Ellie Challis, of Weeley Road, Little Clacton, was the youngest person in the world to be fitted with carbon fibre sports legs after she lost her limbs to meningitis in 2005.

Last week the Engaines Primary School pupil had her picture taken by top children’s photographer Anne Geddes at a studio in Camden, London, for the Protecting Our Tomorrows awareness campaign.

Dad Paul said: “It is obviously an important campaign and we don’t want anyone else to go through what Ellie has been though.

“We are happy to do anything we can do to raise awareness of the disease.

“It was also a great opportunity for Ellie to be photographed by a world-renowned photographer and she took some amazing pictures."

Ellie was snapped with twin sister Sophie for the campaign, which is backed by the Meningitis Research Foundation and Meningitis Now charities.

It aims to raise awareness and help parents spot early warning signs, because rapid hospital treatment is vital.

Anne is launching a book as part of World Meningitis Day on April 24.