EVA LONGORIA - EVA FIGHTS DISABLED PREJUDICE

EVA LONGORIA has paid tribute to her beloved sister ELIZABETH, who was born with Down's Syndrome.

The DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES star insists her 37-year-old sibling has always inspired her - and is keen to redress people's perceptions of the mentally disabled.

She says, "I've met so many amazing people but no one comes close to my own sister.

"She is and always has been the brightest light of my family's life.

"As children we always knew that someone else came first because she had special needs, and we were taught from when we were babies to respect and understand that.

"People think that if you are mentally retarded then it's a great shame and you can't play any part in life.

"I would like to educate people because that just isn't true. It is never about what Elizabeth can't do, it is about what she can do."