A TEENAGER'S dedication to local and international causes was recognised this week when she was presented with two awards.

Former Woodhey High School pupil Melissa Shipley received a Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Award and a special accolade from Bury local education authority.

The 16-year-old Tottington girl said she has been interested in helping others from a young age, something which has been furthered through her membership of Ramsbottom Interact Club, which she joined at the age of 14.

As a former president of the club, Melissa is now international chairman of the organisation.

Now studying for her A-levels at Holy Cross College, she said: "Interact has galvanised my interest and I now help people in the community and raise money for different charities on a regular basis. The more community work I do, the more passionate about it I become. Interact allows me to organise or attend many different community or charity events."

Through the club, Melissa has helped support Rotary International's polio eradication programme and organised a walk in which her fellow pupils at Woodhey High School took part.

"The walk raised more than £120 and was greatly appreciated by Ramsbottom Rotary Club. The walk was to remember the people who are crippled because of polio."

Another international project the club is involved in is raising money for, and donating clothes and toys to, Club Koralky, an orphanage and social club for children with mental or physical disabilities, in the Czech Republic.

"I feel strongly about this charity because it makes me realise how lucky I am. Whenever the club can, we send money or clothes."

Community-based projects supported by the club include Bury Hospice, visiting elderly people's home in Ramsbottom, and collecting money for the Ramsbottom Rotary Club's Christmas float.

Melissa said: "Although I have never been shy, Interact has boosted my self-confidence and my ability to speak in public."

Mrs Pam Burrow, deputy head of Woodhey High, commented: "Melissa is a fantastic, energetic, committed young person. In our school Ofsted report she was singled out by name for her role in the school council, of which she his chairman. This is a real achievement.

"She is very caring and her enthusiasm is very infectious. At the same time she is an A-star pupil having done very well in her GCSEs. I am sure we will be hearing a lot more of her."