BIRCHWOOD High School's head girl has been named 'Young Ambassador' of the north west for setting up links with fellow students in South Africa.

Grace Collier won the regional heat of the Lions Club competition for helping to support her school's partnership with Groenberg Secondary School in Grabouw.

The 16-year-old also helped with Birchwood High's summer school and volunteered to help with extra curricular activities at a primary school.

The aim of the competition is to recognise, support and encourage young people who are involved in volunteering activities in their community.

Runner-up 16-year-old Ellis Williams also attends Birchwood High School.

He impressed judges for being part of Warrington Youth Club's 'buddy-up' scheme at the Peace Centre.

The Children in Need funded project involves helping a young person with disabilities access social activities at the club.

Anne Bright, head teacher at Birchwood High, said: “We value our partnership with the Lions organisation very highly as they, like us, believe in the value of young leadership.

"The Young Ambassador project is a great way to support and celebrate the commitment these pupils have demonstrated to the community.

"This kind of commitment is something which is fundamental to our ethos and vision here at Birchwood High School.

"A sense of being part of the community is so significant to us that the word is even in our school name.

"Through their volunteering activities these learners have given an excellent example of the importance of giving something back to their community. We are really proud of them all.”

Jean Whibley, president of Birchwood Lions Club added: "Overall, they were a very impressive group of young people, the judges had a very difficult task to declare a worthy winner and runner-up."

Grace will go on to compete in the national final of the 'Young Ambassador' competition in February at Dudley Village Hotel.