A MARLWOOD School student has had her commitment to voluntary work recognised by a special award.

The Thornbury Mayor's Youth Award 2011 has this year been given to 16-year-old Lauren Medwell, from Almondsbury.

Lauren was nominated for the award by Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Robert Umfreville from the Thornbury Sea Cadets, where Lauren has been a member for five years.

The year 12 student is currently working towards five A-Levels at Marlwood School Sixth Form, in the three sciences, maths and further maths, with ambitions to study medicine at university.

In his nomination CPO Umfreville commended Lauren’s commitment to the Thornbury Sea Cadets as a young member, and more recently in her new role as part of the leadership team where she is helping to teach younger members.

As well as the Sea Cadets Lauren is also a member of the Marlwood School and county orchestras, where she plays first flute, has appeared regularly on Thornbury FM, and volunteers weekly at a local care home.

CPO Umfreville said: "Throughout all of this she remains clam, patient and willing to take on new challenges and support those around her - a shining example within the community."

Lauren said she did not know she had been nominated for the award until a week before the prize, of a £100 grant and a certificate, was presented to her at Thornbury Town Council last week.

"I didn’t know I had been nominated. I am very grateful. I am going to give the £100 grant to the Thornbury Sea Cadets to help with the work that we do," she said.