EDUCATION chiefs today praised a schoolgirl who is to receive an award for her service to the community after helping a fellow pupil, who was diagnosed with cancer.

Teenager Carla Rawling, who is a pupil at Darwen Moorland High School, is to receive a certificate and £25 gift voucher after she was judged to have excelled in the field of help, care and support.

The 15-year-old, who is said to have become best buddies with one of her classmates, who was diagnosed with leukaemia just over a year ago, is the only person to receive the honour across the whole of Blackburn and Darwen.

Awarded by the Blackburn Soroptimist group, the Joan Scholes award is given to secondary age pupils who show outstanding work in the community.

Nominated by staff at the school, she will be presented with her prize at a special assembly next week and the school will also be given a plaque to mark her achievement.

Six more pupils across the borough, including one from Darwen Moorland, were also commended for their efforts.

Deputy headteacher at Moorland, Judith Berry, said: "Carla has shown all the qualities of being an outstanding citizen and we are very proud of the work she has done."

"A lot of people knock youngsters today but both of these girls are examples of all that is best in young people and are excellent ambassadors for the school."

Marie Blacktop from Blackburn Soroptimists said: "Every year we ask senior schools across Blackburn and Darwen for nominations for anyone who has done anything outstanding in way of service.

"Carla was chosen for this year's award because she befriended a pupil in school who developed cancer and as a result they've become good friends."

"She didn't know her very well before hand but she has made a really good friend now."

Carla will be presented with the trophy by the president of the soroptomist group, Margaret Hammond, at 9am on Tuesday July 17.