A STUDENTS' union president has joined Nelson Mandela, Sir Richard Attenborough and other leading figures in gaining a fellowship.

Emily Fieran-Reed, 23, president of Durham Students' Union, has been awarded a fellowship of the RSA - the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. She was nominated for her community work, including organising campaigns for higher education funding and encouraging local pupils into higher education, working with Prince's Trust volunteers to renovate wasteland and co-ordinating work to improve Durham City.

The award comes as part of the RSA's pledge to honour 100 young leaders over three years to celebrate the United Nations International Year of Volunteers 2001.

Those chosen as young fellows are aged between 18 and 25 and have all made significant contributions to society or their local communities.

Award winners receive a bursary and the opportunity to be mentored by prominent individuals or other RSA fellows. They also have access to all facilities at the RSA's London base.

Miss Fieran-Reed, who lives in Gilesgate, but is originally from St Helen's, Merseyside, hopes to develop her work with Victim Support.