A kind-hearted teenager who has raised thousands of pounds for charity has been rewarded for her inspirational efforts.

Courtney Lee-Collins, 17, from Aveley, won the Pride of Essex Inspirational Youth 2016 Award and was given a cheque for £1,000.

Courtney, a sixth-form student who studies A-Levels in law, psychology and English literature at The Ockendon Academy, is a regular donor to the children’s wards at Basildon Hospital and visit young patients there dressed as Anna from Disney’s Frozen. She also gives to Thurrock food banks and recently became community radio station Phoenix FM’s youngest-ever Drive Show presenter.

Courtney, who plans to visit Paris next spring to compete in the international pageant Face of the Globe, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won this award and honoured to have been chosen.”

Courtney’s mum, Wendy, who has mobility difficulties, said her daughter was a massive help to her, despite her busy schedule.

She added: “She always finds time to spend with her younger sister Kacey-Lee, who has severe autism. The girls are inseparable and I could not be any more proud.”