YOUNG ambassador Ashleigh Rolling is helping put Bury and her own achievements in the national spotlight.

The 16-year-old Holy Cross student, who lives in Radcliffe, has won through to the national finals of a Lions Club competition.

And if she triumphs again, then Ashleigh will be on her way to the USA. Earlier, she was chosen as Bury Lion's nomination for Young Ambassador of the 21st century competition.

Last Saturday, beat six teenagers who took part in the district finals held at a hotel near Preston. Ashleigh, a former pupil of Bury C of E High School, lifted the trophy and a cheque for £250.

With the national title beckoning, the teenager is keeping her fingers crossed that in February's UK finals she will be selected to represent Great Britain in the international competition in America.

The 16-year-old, who lives in Pendennis Close, Radcliffe, was originally nominated by Jackie Sorfleet who works at the Asda store in Pilsworth.

While a pupil at Bury C of E High School, Ashleigh had been heavily involved in the school's Children of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The Trust has raised thousands of pounds to fund environmental projects for a wildlife park in Africa.

Despite the fact she has left the school to study at Holy Cross College, the Radcliffe girl returns regularly for committee meetings.

Ashleigh's former teacher, Mrs Jackie Vet, the Trust co-ordinator, is delighted that her ex-pupil has become a Young Ambassador.

She said: "At Saturday's district final, Ashleigh won outright. Earlier, she had answered a five-minute series of questions from the three-strong judging panel. They wanted to know about her work and were impressed by her level of commitment and her foresight.

"As a member of our Sheldrick fund-raising committee for a number of years, Ashleigh has always led by example. She is also a young leader with the Brownies and has been in pantomime at St Stephen's Church."

She added: "Myself and Ashleigh were over the moon when she won. Now, we're keeping our fingers crossed she lifts the national title in Dudley next month."