A FORMER special school student who made the transition to high school and became a prefect is one of the first to receive a Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Award for young people.

Tony Sturdy, a year 11 pupil at Ivy Bank High School, Burnley, is proud of being picked. He said: "I really worked hard to gain a place in a mainstream school from the special school I was in. I'm continuing my efforts and I have responsibility as a prefect."

Tony said Princess Diana had helped people like himself, and the award continued her work and kept her memory alive.

He has helped people by taking part in paired reading activities with younger students.

He said: "I will add the award to my records of achievement to show employers when I leave school. I hope to be successful in my exams and to find a job I enjoy."

Tony will be one of 100 young people to receive the award in London on Monday from Tessa Jowell, Minister for Public Health.

After the presentation students, teachers and parents will take part in an open discussion led by broadcaster Jon Snow to find out how they would like to see the award develop in the future.

June Meikle, year manager at Ivy Bank, nominated Tony for the award. She said: "He worked very hard to make the transition from being at Calder View to being a student at Ivy Bank.

"He has shown great strength of character."