A NINE-year-old girl from Evesham who has helped a partially blind pupil at her school since she was five has been named West Mercia Police's Good Citizen of the Year.

Jessica Andrews won the award at a special ceremony at the force's headquarters in Hindlip, Worcester, last night.

She was chosen from a shortlist of 11 devoted and committed youngsters from across the region, including Malvern Army cadet James Taplin.

In 2002, James raised the largest amount of anyone in Worcestershire or Herefordshire for the Royal British Legion poppy appeal.

The pair both received £50 and a pen set, with Jessica receiving an extra £100, half of which will go to her chosen charity, the County Air Ambulance.

Jessica, who will pick up her award on Tuesday after returning from holiday, was praised for assisting visually-impaired classmate Brandon Corr, aged nine, at St Richard's First School in Evesham.

Chief Constable Paul West, who chose the winner of his force's first Good Citizen award, paid tribute to her "patience and unassuming manner".

"She helps Brandon and encourages him to use his specialist equipment. She does this of her own accord displaying exemplary unselfishness," said Mr West.

"I was hugely impressed by her contribution to school life and how she has made such a difference to one individual in particular. I'm delighted to force is able to her the recognition for her efforts."

Joan Armstrong, Brandon's helper who nominated Jessica, said she had been impressed by her "unflappable" nature.

"She's very good at what she does because he's quite a lively child. But she is very calm and very mature for her age," said Mrs Armstrong.

James, aged 15, from Clevelode, near Malvern, raised £333 during the poppy appeal last year. He said he knew about how much good the poppy appeal was doing because his grandfathers served in the forces, one in the RAF while the other saw service at Dunkirk.

"I find the collection, and being a cadet, enjoyable. It gives you an idea about what the Army is like," said James.

"I'm pleased with how far I got in the awards and I think the girl who got it really deserved it."