A CARING schoolgirl has been rewarded for going that extra mile to support a local charity.

Charlotte Purdham, of Bolton Grove, Bishop Auckland, was presented with a Shrievalty Award, at a ceremony at Durham Castle this week.

At the age of ten, Charlotte was the youngest of 35 children to receive the award, which is supported by the High Sheriff of Durham, Durham Agency Against Crime and Durham University.

While attending St Anne's Primary School, she has been involved in a number of charity events, including a sponsored swim for Children in Need.

Out of school, she has raised £175 for the Butterwick Hospice through a sponsored bike ride and walk. After Christmas, she collected neighbours' cards and telephone directories to be recycled, which will also raise money for the charity.

Her mother, Deborah Dickinson, said: "I am very proud of her, it was a wonderful occasion. Charlotte always thinks of others first and automatically wants to help when she can."

Her headteacher, Henry Jopling, said: "Part of the school ethos is to think of others and try to raise money for good causes, so all our pupils tend to be generous.

"We're very proud of Charlotte's efforts in and out of school. She thoroughly deserves the praise this award gives her."