A schoolgirl who achieved success despite a rare bone disease has become the first recipient of the Joelene Kimbley Award.

Paula Medley, 16, was presented with Nunthorpe School's award for courage in adversity by Ms Kimbley's brother, at Middlesbrough Town Hall, on Thursday night.

The award was renamed in honour of the former student after she lost her battle against leukaemia in May.

Paula's mother Mavis, of Champion Grove, Marton Manor, Middlesbrough, Teesside, said her daughter was delighted to be the first to receive it.

"She's honoured to get the award," she said. "We are all very proud of her and think she deserves it. She's never let anything hinder her school work and has always just got on with her life."

Paula's bone disorder has resulted in several operations and left her smaller than average for her age.

Nunthorpe School's deputy headteacher, Kathy Kirkbright, said this had not stopped her playing a full part in school life.

"She has played for house teams in hockey, netball and rounders, and she volunteered to mentor year seven students," she said. "She was also in a recent play that the school youth theatre put on."

Among those at the Celebration of Achievement evening was Ms Kimbley's mother, who received a rose bowl.

The school presented the medics who cared for Ms Kimbley with a cheque for £12,000.

Mrs Medley said: "I spoke to Joelene's mum and she seemed very pleased that Paula was getting the award."