DORSET children have a much higher chance of surviving cancer thanks to better treatment, new figures have revealed.

The stats Released by Cancer Research UK show the amount of children dying from the deadly disease in the South West has fallen by 26 per cent since the early 2000s.

The latest figures reveal that death rates for under 15s have decreased from around 27 deaths per million children a decade ago to around 20 deaths per million children today.

This is because of better treatment and breakthroughs in research by the charity.

Every year, around 120 children are diagnosed with cancer in the region.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson, said: “Although we’re losing fewer young lives to cancer, a lot more needs to be done to find new and better treatments.

“And as more children survive cancer, it’s especially important that we concentrate on improving their quality of life after treatment.

“Many children who survive cancer will live with long-term side effects from their treatment which may have an impact on them as adults. So it’s vital that we find treatments that are not only better at treating the cancer but also have fewer side effects.

“Cancer Research UK’s investment in clinical trials for children with cancer has been a major factor in developing today’s treatments and it’s pivotal to ongoing research that will offer new hope to children with cancer and their families”

This news comes as Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens launches its annual Star Awards.

In partnership with TK Maxx and backed by a host of famous faces, the awards celebrate the courage of children affected by cancer.

Unlike many other children’s awards, there is no judging panel because the charity believes that each and every child who faces cancer is extra special.

Recipients get a unique trophy, a £50 TK Maxx gift card and a certificate signed by celebrities.

Around £23 million of this has specifically supported research into children’s cancers, making the retailer the biggest corporate funder of research into childhood cancers in the UK.

The awards are open to all under-18s who have cancer or who have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

To nominate a child for an award visit cruk.org/kidsandteens.