A WOMAN who continues to over-come her own disability to inspire others has been named Cumbria Woman of the Year Claire Beattie, 30, was born with cerebral palsy, which affects her movement and co-ordination.

But she has never let that stop her – not only living her own life to the full but also helping others, including disabled children.

As well as working as a teaching assistant at two schools, Claire, of Carlisle, runs classes for the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Judges described her as ‘an inspirational young woman with an unbridled enthu-siasm for life’.

She received her award at a ceremony, at Windermere, where Hazel Relph was presented with a Lifetime Achieve-ment Award for her dedication to upland farming and preser-ving the landscape.

She has run Yew Tree Farm in Borrowdale, near Keswick, with husband Joe for many years.