WHEN nine-year-old Rachel Fuller's schoolfriends complained there was nothing to do, she set about helping to build a community centre.

Now her efforts have won her an award.

The outstanding achievements of children in Wear Valley were celebrated at a ceremony organised by the Asda supermarket in Bishop Auckland.

The children, aged between six and sixteen, were nominated by shoppers at the store for the difference they had made to their community.

Rachel, from Hazeldale Avenue, Shildon, was chosen as the winner.

She helpedto raise money for a community centre by spending hours sitting at tombola and cake stalls and taking part in other fundraising ventures.

The Jubilee Fields Community Centre, which has facilities for children and adults, opened yesterday, but Rachel insists she will carry on fund-raising.

She said: "I did it because a lot of children at school said there was nothing to do and it was boring, and I decided I might as well do something about it and build a playhouse for them to play in."

Rachel was awarded a £30 cheque for the charity of her choice and tickets to see the pantomime Peter Pan at the Empire Theatre, Sunderland, later this year.

Samantha Emerson, six, from Wolsingham, received a special mention for the courage she showed after a surgical frame was fitted to her foot.

She spent five months in a wheelchair, but insisted on going to school and carrying on life as normal.