A DISABLED teenager has won £5,253 to help others develop their social lives through the Internet.

Jennifer Gallacher, 18, of Nunthorpe, in Middlesbrough, is one of 20 winners of a Whizz-Kidz No Limits Millennium award, funded by the National Lottery.

As someone keen to raise awareness of the opportunities and activities open to young disabled and able-bodied people, she came up with the idea for E-Mail mates, a website giving information on what is available.

Having won the award to develop it, she will receive training in website design, which she hopes to pass on to other youngsters in the future. She aims to form a sub-section on the site consisting of a network of email users to enable teenagers to form friendships and exchange ideas.

Jennifer, who has spinal muscular atrophy and uses a wheelchair, said: "I am over the moon about winning this award. I feel very passionate about my project and look forward to spreading the word about what I will be doing in my local community."

No Limits award panellist, Nigel David, a Thomson Travel Group managing director, said: "I would like to congratulate Jennifer for her excellent initiative, which I have no doubt will prove to be a great success."

Disabled youngsters aged between 12 and 18 who are interested in coming up with a project for next year's awards can obtain more information by ringing (020) 7233 6600.