A BAXTER College pupil has received a prestigious national award recognising her outstanding contribution to the school and wider community.

Stef Harvey, of Cobham Road, Kidderminster, was chosen for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award after being nominated by her teachers.

The 17-year-old is studying AS level dance and GNVQ level two health and social care and leisure and tourism.

She is regularly involved in helping to organise and perform in dance and drama productions at the school.

Since October, she has also been a volunteer at Foley Park First School where she helps to teach the children and listens to their reading.

College principal, David Seddon, presented Miss Harvey with her award in front of the rest of the school.

She said she was surprised when she found out she had been chosen, adding: "It was absolutely brilliant. I burst into tears."

Assistant headteacher, Dean Logan, said Miss Harvey was always willing to help by getting involved in school activities, even though she has had a difficult year.

He explained: "When Stef first came to the school, I think she would admit to not being the most helpful of pupils and she has had a lot of things to overcome. Her father spent some time in hospital and her sister was mauled by a dog. Her mother has also had cancer so she has had to deal with that as well."

Mr Logan added: "We are very pleased that someone like Stef has had the recognition for the work she has done. We are delighted for her because not many people get the award so it is quite an honour for her.

"She is one of the students that has seen the changes at the school and benefited from the improvements that the school has gone through."

Each secondary school can nominate students aged 12 to 18, in recognition of youth participation or volunteering, selfless service to others or showing outstanding qualities in overcoming adverse circumstances.

Since the scheme was launched in April, 2000, more than 7,000 pupils from 1,800 secondary schools across the country have received the awards.