A KIND-HEARTED Bournemouth photographer who provides free images for families of children with life-limiting conditions has won a national award.

Samira Magrabi and colleague Liz Wood from Suffolk set up the Butterfly Wishes Network two years ago and have since gone on to recruit 285 like-minded photographers across the country.

They all donate their time and services free-of-charge to allow families to take part in picture sessions and to receive licence-free images.

Samira and Liz have now been presented with a Points of Light award, which recognises people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Samira and Liz are the 285th and 286th winners of the new Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush.

More than 5,000 US Points of Light have been awarded and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK which honours shining examples of volunteering across the country.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "With the Butterfly Wishes Network Liz and Samira have harnessed the generosity of a fantastic number of photographers to give their services for free and create beautiful photos that families can treasure forever.

"I hope this Points of Light Award will help them to recruit more photographers and provide this small piece of comfort to even more families."

Samira said: "Without a doubt, the network would not work without each and every volunteer in it. I am truly humbled to be a part of this amazing group of photographers who are willing to give so much and our amazing admin team. For Butterflies to be recognized is wonderful, and hopefully we will attract more photographers to our network through this recognition."

MP for Christchurch Chris Cope added: "It is with great pleasure that I add my congratulations to Samira on receiving this award. It is fantastic that so many professional photographers have now joined the Butterfly Wishes Network and are providing such a wonderful service to families of children who have life-shortening conditions."

For more information about the network visit butterflywishesnetwork.co.uk