A DROITWICH teenager is in the running for a prestigious award thanks to her selfless dedication to others.

Claire Hilton, aged 18, plays a pivotal role as a volunteer for the Worcestershire Young Carers Service.

Having looked after her own father for two years, the teenager has gone on to help other young carers.

Now Claire, who lives in Tagwell Road, Witton, with her mum and younger sister, is in the running for the Millennium Volunteer of the Year Award.

This is a Government initiative that encourages 16 to 24-year-olds to volunteer in their local community, regardless of their background, ability or beliefs.

Claire has been involved with the Young Carers Club for four years, and helps out and advises other youngsters during monthly meetings at Perdiswell Young People's Centre, Perdiswell, Worcester.

"The support group is about giving young carers time to chill out and be a kid again - they have so much responsibility at home and have to perform more of an adult role," said Claire, who is studying fine art at Worcester College of Technology.

"So many people aren't aware that there are so many young carers and how much they do."

"They do the same job as a paid NHS care worker - they have the same responsibilities but none of the training, and they're much younger.

"And it's hard to concentrate at school when you have so much on your mind," added the former Droitwich High School pupil.

Claire will represent the West Midlands in the Youth Voice category of the awards. One person will be named overall Millennium Volunteer of the Year at the finals, due to take place on Sunday, March 28.

"If I were to win, I'd be absolutely amazed," said Claire.

"Being a Millennium Volunteer is brilliant - I've made lots of friends and we go out socially all the time. There's a stigma it's not cool to be a volunteer, but that's just not true."

For more information click on: www.millenniumvolunteers.gov.uk