A CARING young woman has become the first person in St Helens to receive a Millennium Volunteers Certificate of Excellence, signed by Secretary of State, David Blunkett, for her work within her local community.

Claire Anders, from Thackray Road, Grange Park, completed 200 hours of voluntary work within her former school, Broadway Community High where the St Helens branch of Millennium Volunteers is based.

The St Helens College student visited the school on her days off and has helped with a range of special needs activities after signing up for the national, Government-endorsed programme. She has also coached youngsters in a talent showcase that became one of the main features of Millennium Volunteers work within the school.

Other Broadway High volunteers named were Sarah Brotherstone, Catherine Morrison, Damian Oakes and Mark Ashton who all received 100 hour certificates and are well on the way to their Certificates of Excellence.