Darwen Vale High School pupil Amy Walsh received a shield and £25 from Blackburn Soroptimists for her commitment to improving relationships with senior citizens.

The 15-year-old spends lunchtimes visiting senior citizens and helping them with any problems.

Amy, who lives on the Anchor Estate, recently negotiated the refurbishment of a greenhouse belonging to one of the residents, who was having problems with vandals throwing stones.

Due to her help, pupils of Darwen Vale High School decided to make this one of their chosen charities and the money collected during the last year will go towards repairs.

Amy said: "I was so surprised when I found out I had won the award I couldn't talk. I heard through the school forum that there had been a few vandalism problems near Oakfield sheltered accommodation so I got a group together and we asked the elderly people what had been happening.

"We walk around the area and if I see anything suspicious I take down details or ask people to leave. I ask them how they are and they look forward to seeing me."

She was nominated for The Service Award, presented each year in memory of former soroptimist Joan Scholes, by her deputy head teacher, Tania Lewyckyj who said: "She's done fantastically well and she's a lovely girl. She's modest and this has been a big surprise for her."

Marie Blacktop, president of the Soroptimists International of Blackburn, said: "She is a very worthy recipient, we were very impressed."