A TEENAGE girl has been awarded the Yarm Citizen Cup for her community work.

Lauren McCredie, 15, from Ingleby Barwick, near Yarm, was presented with the Yarm Lions' Cup in front of her school assembly.

"I couldn't believe it," she said. "I had to get up in front of everyone. I was really pleased but just really glad I didn't have to make a speech."

Lauren, who attends Egglescliffe Comprehensive, at Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, received her award for working at Christian Outreach's Parklife project for two years.

Teenagers from all denominations carry out work at some of Stockton's most deprived communities as part of the scheme including gardening, window cleaning and helping disabled and old people in their homes.

Lauren also helps run the Stockton Baptist Tabernacle coffee shop and played a key part in staging a church production of Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat, which raised £3,700 for the Daisy Chain charity to help families with autistic children.

Lauren, who was nominated by her teacher, Rachel Rowling, said: "I just enjoy taking part in the Parklife project but I was pleased to get the award."