Teen honoured for her 'outstanding' charity work

Louisa Gregory was named outstanding young person at Wellingborough Town Council's Citizens Awards

A teenage volunteer has been recognised with an award for her dedication to community and charity work.

Louisa Gregory, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, won the outstanding young person title at the town council's recent Citizens Award.

The 18-year-old, who is the current Miss Teen Great Britain, has raised nearly £6,000 in two years for Rainbows Children's Hospice in Loughborough. She also volunteers with the Wellingborough Eco Group on litter-picking projects and helps run community stalls.

Ms Gregory said: "It's really nice to be recognised and it's really nice to know my fundraising has made a difference."

Louisa Gregory also volunteers for the Wellingborough Eco Group

The teenager's charity efforts were inspired by her experience volunteering at Wellingborough Museum's gift shop when she 12.

Since then, her work has included being an ambassador for Together for Short Lives, a children's hospice charity supported by Simon Cowell.

"I used to struggle with loneliness but after getting involved with the community, I became more outgoing," Ms Gregory said.

"Through speaking to people [at the hospice], it made me realise how important it is [to fundraise]."

The money she raises helps provide oxygen machines, fun days out for children, funeral costs, and financial support for families with children at the hospice.

Ms Gregory has also held the title of Miss Teen Northamptonshire for two years, and is now planning a Starlight Gala fundraising event and working on building a social group for women.