A TEENAGER met the Queen, the Prime Minister and a Pop Idol as a reward for her voluntary work.

Sophie Smith, 18, from South Hylton, Sunderland, was invited to a royal garden party in recognition of her work with the Pennywell Youth Project.

She has been involved with the project for five years and has worked for it for the past three.

She gave up more than 200 hours as a volunteer to gain Millennium Volunteer status.

During her visit to Buckingham Palace, she met other young achievers and celebrities, including Gareth Gates and Tony Blair.

She said: "I was very proud to be nominated to go to the palace, and I feel it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

"I am very grateful for the help and support offered by the Pennywell Youth Project."

Gordon Langley, project manager at the youth project, said: "Sophie is a real example to any young person living in the area.

"She should be really proud of herself and that her work and commitment have been recognised in this way."

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Pennywell Youth Project should contact Mr Langley on 0191-534 5357.