A THURROCK teenager has been honoured for her work helping the borough community during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Amelia Smith, 16, from East Tilbury has been recognised by the Jack Petchey Foundation as one of those young people going the extra mile to help others in lockdown.

In the first lockdown, as part of her work towards attaining the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, Amelia started making positive packages for vulnerable people to bring a little positivity into an otherwise difficult situation for those with disabilities, chronic illnesses and illnesses that had made them self-isolate during the lockdown.

Members of the local community have been nominating people they know directly to Amelia along with some information about them so that Amelia can create a personalised pack and ensure they are specifically adapted and suited to the individual needs of the person.

As well as a letter of thanks from the Foundation's founder, Sir Jack Petchey, Amelia, who attends St Clere's School, has been awarded £50.

Trudy Kilcullen MBE, CEO of the Jack Petchey Foundation said: "At the Jack Petchey Foundation, young people inspire us all the time with the incredible work they do and that has not stopped in the current situation.

"We want to recognise more young people across London and Essex doing inspirational things to help their community and hope these Community Awards will motivate others and truly showcase the positive things young people do every day."

The Foundation is still accepting and processing nominations. A young person can be nominated for any actions they are doing to help vulnerable family members, the local area, school or youth group during the covid-19 situation as long as these abide by the government guidelines for social distancing.

You can nominate via the Jack Petchey Foundation's website using their online form here.

These could include: delivering groceries to a vulnerable neighbour, creating content to inspire others (e.g. artwork, videos and blog posts), helping a youth group to adapt their work online, contacting local isolated people on the phone, and supporting a parent/friend keyworker.