THE mum of a young Thurrock woman who won a national crown that recognises her selfless work for others has spoken of her pride in her daughter.

Courtney-Lee Collins, 20, from Aveley is a former Ockendon Academy and Palmer's College student, now studying for a law degree.

That might be daunting enough for most 20-year-olds on its own, but Courtney crams her life with other activities, including organising, entering – and winning – pageants.

Since winning the Pure International Miss United Kingdom Sweetheart 2020 in Courtney-Lee has been keeping very busy.

She has collected and donated warm coats and jackets to Changing Pathways Women's refuge, donated 20 large Easter eggs to the 'Follow Your Dreams' Easter fundraising appeal, sourced and donated new items including a volleyball set, footballs posts, a swingball, soft volleyball and football and two stressballs to Leatherland Lodge residential home for their garden, surprised an elderly lady with a trip to the theatre, donated new board games and puzzles to the children at Changing Pathways, donated to Thurrock Foodbank and sent clothing to Oxfam. Courtney-Lee also sold World Down Syndrome day badges for charity, helped at the Re-Engage Thurrock tea party for the elderly and supported Raynaud's awareness month.

She has lots more planned for March...including donations to Basildon hospital, Essex Ambulance Service and Treetops school.

Mum Wendy Jane says: "I know I'm biased as her mum, but I'm so proud of Courtney-Lee...she's only 20 and is also in her second year of a law degree, has her own community radio show on Phoenix FM and is training to be a dance teacher in her spare time. Courtney-Lee is a massive help with her younger sister Kacey-Lee, who has severe autism.

"Regardless of how busy she is, there is never a day where they don't spend time together."